En Passant : A Sideways Look at Life

From the fertile mind of a shortlisted poet and international designer of museums and galleries comes En Passant, a lively collection of poetry and short prose pieces that comment on the eccentric nature of humanity. Michael Polkinghorne's collection takes inspiration from his life and his observations of the world around him. Many of the poems are funny, some are poignant, but all offer an insightful reflection on the nature of our shared humanity. En Passant provides a range of thought-provoking themes, from philosophical reflections to explorations of the nature of time. The collection is varied, with nostalgic echoes of a fading British Empire as seen through the lense of his school cadet corps' Remembrance Day parade in 'A Distant Trumpet'. Elsewhere, Michael contrasts upmarket areas with poorer areas nearby, commenting on the wealth disparities that exist in the modern world. His collection also provides readers with encounters with the small eccentricities of modern life, using humour to comment on and critique the way our world works. Inspired by John Betjeman, Dylan Thomas and Clive James, Michael's amusing collection will appeal to readers that enjoy humorous poetry, as well as those who enjoy short prose pieces and satirical humour.