Winging It

Signed copies available while stocks last

The new collection from Carlisle-based poet Malcolm Carson. Malcolm Carson was born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. He moved to Belfast with his family before returning to Lincolnshire, becoming an auctioneer and then a farm labourer. He studied English at Nottingham University, and then taught in colleges and universities. This collection follows 5 previously published collections: Breccia in 2006, Rangi Changi and other poems in 2011, Route Choice in 2016, The Where and When in 2019 and Edgar in 2023, as well as a pamphlet, Cleethorpes Comes to Paris in 2014. 

He loved his pigeons, almost as much as serving
his Lord. He would attend to them
when his other flock were grazing on life.
He’d gurgle along in the loft, ministering

to their needs before the race. Setting the clock
as they were sent away for liberation,
he was all-a-flutter until the time
his darlings should return. Arriving too

the wedding couple, waiting at the altar
for his benediction, acceptance of
their vows, mutual devotion,
as he panted hot foot from the loft.

Gathering himself, he took them through the ritual,
until following their gaze to his shoes
below his surplice, blessed by pigeons,
‘For luck,’ he said, marrying his twin passions.