Word Watching

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Word Watching

Category:	Poetry
Author:	Alfa
Publisher:	Gold Books
Price:	£6.50
ISBN:	0954570797
Pages:	80
Reviewed in issue:	5

Alfa's opening paragraph claims that she is a word thief and steals bit parts of conversations heard by herself in all sorts of places and walks of life. Although true to her word, the book does live up to its promise. On reading some of the poems I couldn’t help but feel that Alfa may have been evesdropping on a few of my very own conversations. However, word thieving and listening in on people next to you on the bus is nothing new for any writer or poet, although Alfa does use her material well.

Alfa does put her own style to the concept of life poetry and semi-biographical writings. Some of the poems read with a sly sense of humour – my favourite being ‘The peacock’. A man showing off his brand new car is nothing new, but likening the scenario to a peacock displaying its feathers is quite unique. In amongst the funny and easier to scan poems are a few complex ones, and the brain doesn't always have time to step up a gear. Some need a second reading. However most of the subject material can be understood by general readers.

At first I didn’t understand the front cover. It wasn’t until I read the contents of the book that I realised the mish-mash of pictorials on the front represent the mish mash of life’s ups and downs discussed in her poetry. On the whole, I enjoyed the book and feel it would be a suitable read for those not generally into poetry. No airs and graces, and the subject matter means that there is something most poeple can relate to. Suitable for those who have lived a life or two. The book is presented and bound well.

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