Beyond the Parasol: Selected Poems

By Stephen Leake

The poems contained within Beyond the Parasol were all written in the period between September 2003 and May 2004. Originally I didn't intend to publish them; mainly because of their autobiographical nature (particularly the ones from 'Ten Minutes Only.') However, the book quickly seemed to shape itself and I thought I'd share the collection with a wider audience.

The symbols and images I use tend to harness nature, the sea and observations of everyday people. I have tried to allow each poem to live in its language, using the imagery as a starting point.

The title poem opens with a series of pictures, which expand as the poem develops until it disappears into its final line:

'Beyond. Beyond the parasol'.

This line sets the scene for the entire collection. Mysteriously absorbing, it reminds us that there is a lot to be discovered in the changing world beyond the four walls we may live in - or, in the case of this poem, beyond the parasol in my own East-End back garden.

My hope with this book is that it will be enjoyed and understood by the reader at whatever level. Much contemporary poetry can be pretentious and superficial. I believe this is not the case with this collection. I would like to think that the reader is taken on a journey around the many different aspects of life explored here.

The poems are not just full of meaning. They are being themselves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Sep 6, 2004
• ISBN: 9781412224093

Stephen Leake

Stephen Leake was born in Blackpool, Lancashire; studying music from an early age. He furthered his musical studies in Leeds, Birmingham and London where he now works as a teacher and freelance writer. He divides time between homes in the capital and Brighton. After being recognised as a 'Spotlight Poet' by the Forward Press in July 2004, he continues to contribute work to various magazines including 'Poetry Now' and the 'London Poetry Review.' His success in 'Ottakar's and Faber's Eighth Annual National Poetry Competition,' inspired this current collection. As a member of 'The Poetry Society' (Covent Garden), he continues to enjoy regular readings. He is planning another collection for next year.

Book preview

�ПQabook_preview_excerpt.htmluWmn7���*R@rl�A��P![q �K�џ�ݑ�5�\�\m���� �=JO�G�%G\5@���|�y|��'�[�דˏ���f���H�Ӈ�b��.^?�]��]=Y���sA��+G�U�uɚ��x���?�~]�zk��4:==�득�T)�F�,;�.N��P-�'�"_JGu�)�/��Jl)c��M�ŀ�7�IM��J�En�q%�(��+��=��F���[:?���� Hδ���B`��V�7�΋��.�z�+J@U��ǟ��^)�*�6��5h^�xM������>�Y���)����MiƁ��hZ!�@1��tO�eG�?��Ӡ�OV�i�� ���V'{S�W��Hc_���������J#1w�#�ֽ5SqF,u��M�Vƅ@��J���Ol���6m`�*-�J�\��i�f�>R�Y���8KQ�GZ��UK� N{q�!v>=k�XM� ��ޤI�T��[i1���#��^� (ofYTi��\&�w�V.����qÅ7)X�LK�������˕���[ ���{ֹT�����A�`�@.Eh���*�)��Ox`���p� hi*c�i�3�<���M�ᶾ�����֡���73�c�k�*m�^�8��y�M�Zܚc)\ڀ�[�����N1����H"Toᅍpi���7�M��,�b$��Z�,-Q��Q:��(�ڬ�Ǖ\ GK�}�#��?_K]�"�Yo�?"�t��Ƃu{G�Q�7M�2��kn{t9�t�T��צI����f�K��v��P�4��7�d�c�ULl:���
���3� 0H�c-���oX�)F��� =ɖ�.s����y bZ@��ΐ���V`N�l2��!-�t?�� ��-��aϬV=G�^�xS YV�*���8�\ ڢ<��������� �5*�˛�U�ʕ6R�7���T�_ug�Xݾ�j+@��Ϟe��x��M�~�`�T�_'��ⷙ:?�_8�b�W܈����Y�!
]�[��~dsǦ��2x2a>h =�-�O*��Iہ��=��#�ߨ�����AP�� ��AH�Gq(|i��K>W���lgl��,��HB�U��Xi�/OV<�rWn�����B<�{BV�M�Gc�R�5�5 
H
E�&�X��K]}d�Q�#��6��?�;uyz