Through Corridors of Light - Poems of Consolation in Times of Illness

IN recent times there have been numerous anthologies of poems onto the market, thus it cannot be easy to publish something very different which can both capture the imagination and provoke thought.

'Through The Corridors of Light - Poems of Consolation in Times of Illness' succeeds in fulfilling such, and is possibly a unique addition to the poetry shelves of bookshops.

More than 120 poems are included n this sizeable book, the work of an eclectic range of poets — famed names such as Rudyard Kipling Siegfried Sassoon, William Blake, even Shakespeare share the pages with unknown poets and even some anonymous; and they have a common — exceedingly rare — thread, as they are dedicated, as part of the title suggests, to providing 'Consolation in Time of illness' the book is edited by John Andrew Denny who was a musician and publisher's editor in London before he fell ill with ME/Cronic Fatigue Syndrome more than 20 years ago. Realising, due to his illness, the despondency and hopefulness chronic disability — both of mind and body — can bring he has adroitly, imaginatively and perceptively chosen a range of poems, with valuable assistance from Sylvia Scott, Elizabeth Kerr and Margaret Forey, which can give solace or, to quote the words of the editor, 'Powerfully respond to the deepest and most private thoughts and feelings that commonly preoccupy the seriously ill.'

The sheer hard work and dedication which has gone into the selection of these poems will have been immense, for while the writing of many eminent poets is here, many works are very much less known and to have found relevant contributions from lesser known writers will often have involved patience and tenacity of rare degree. Certainly, though, such hard work has clearly been worthwhile for some of the most telling and moving contributions to this beautiful anthology come from the pens of the lesser known.

Such an entry is 'Neurasthenia' by Mary F Robinson (1857-1944), a poem of immense power and depth, as is 'The Watch' by Frances Cornford (1886-1960) — a lady who suffered for long periods from severe depression; this stark work — albeit short — will speak volumes regarding her mental state when she wrote it.

Local readers will fix upon the name of Launceston's most famous son Charles Causley (1917-2003) one of Britain's finest twentieth century poets; his contribution, 'Eden Rock' is moving and, to those whose life expectancy is possibly curtailed, comforting — and memorable. Some contributions are from writers not known for poetry at all, the most eminent of these being Agatha Christie (1890-1976); true to her Devonshire roots she penned a work named simply 'Dartmoor'. Poirot it is not; poignant? — oh yes, very.

The inclusion of dates of the poets named in this review are not down to the industry of this reviewer, but to the professionalism and eye for detail throughout. All the known poets featured in this anthology are provided with brief, but very informative, word sketches of their lives and careers — and, of course, their dates.

There is also a comprehensive list of titles and first lines; but then, such is to be anticipated in this high quality publication in terms of both production and content — a 'must' for not merely those who need consolation, but all who appreciate evocative and moving verse.

'Through The Corridors of Light - Poems of Consolation in Times of Illness' edited by John Andrew Denny, published by Lion Hudson plc (ISBN 978-0-7459-5547-6) . Prices £9.99 (royalties to be donated to ME Research UK), available in Bookstop, Tavistock.

TED SHERRELL