It’s a very long time since I read a book of poetry, a whole book, that is, in one sitting. What a confession for this retired English teacher! But when this book arrived through the letterbox, I was curious.

As a bit of an archer myself, (and a romantic) the title piqued my interest, the intro with its extended metaphor, fed my appetite and the first poem in the collection, with its classical references, sealed my fate.

Each poem is personal and provides an insight into the poet’s mind as he shares his thoughts and memories, although occasionally, it almost felt too personal, as each scene played out. Fleeting meetings, stolen moments, love and desire, pain and ecstasy. All searingly honest and compelling.

Kiszko’s knowledge and love of music is clear, not only in the musical references but in the cadences and rhythm of the lines which flow mellifluously at times and strike an appropriately minor key at others when he intends to jolt the reader. It is clearly an important element in his life, so too, other inspirations, not least his mum, dad and family.

In those distant days when I frequented a gym, I never thought to describe the exercise regime as Kiszko does.

He describes the broken heart and human vulnerability but also expresses the value and significance of friends and of the Japanese art of Kintsugi. He rejoices when he is ‘lost in words [and] literary revelry’, celebrating language and all it can convey. He is well travelled and shares his experiences of distant lands through his poetry: India, China, France, Israel, the USA and the dance floor in Weston Super Mare!

‘Let me count the ways’ or rather, let me count the metaphors employed, and their ‘infinite variety’: ‘A bellyflop into love’, ‘Time’s arrow’ with ‘a pendulum swing of stanzas’. ‘Time’s wings had gone arrhythmic’, to name but a few. In those distant days when I frequented a gym, I never thought to describe the exercise regime as Kiszko does! Read this offering for yourself and see how many hit the mark like the ‘arrow cast’ in the eponymous poem ‘Heartchery’.

Odd moments of humour lighten the tone in places but one thing is certain, all of these poems clearly come from the heart.

Kiszko is ‘fondly known as the ‘UK’s green poet’ and his bio at the end of the book, references his work with Sir David Attenborough for whom he wrote the musical scores for over 160 natural history films (among others). His unusual descriptions of some of the wildlife he has seen, reflect the time spent outdoors. The ‘herondous’ heron who won’t eat today, ‘the deer…a harbinger of thanks’, ‘The Emperor of Exmoor [who] stood too long in a rifle’s sight’ are just a few of his acute observations. In 1962, Peter Porter published Your Attention Please, a chilling poem which gave instructions about what to do in the event of a nuclear attack; I thought Kiszko’s ‘Climate Change Express’ parodied Porter to an extent and offered just as chilling a warning, this time about climate change which ‘still speeds ahead’.

It’s not long but I would describe this collection of poetry as a time-thief because I simply could not put it down. It is thoughtful, at times joyful and at times, a little wistful. Odd moments of humour lighten the tone in places but one thing is certain, all of these poems clearly come from the heart.


Heartchery is published by Martin Kiszko Publishers