Learning to Sleep

This collection delves into themes of life, death, and the spaces in between, with Learning to Sleep offering profound insights into existence and identity.

In Learning to Sleep, the author weaves a tapestry of poems that explore the intricate dance between life and death, with a particular focus on the shadows that linger in between. This collection is rich with lyrical beauty and intellectual depth, inviting readers to reflect on the nuances of existence. The presence of ghosts, both personal and literary, adds layers of meaning, as the author grapples with loss and belonging in a contemporary context.

The haunting figure of the author's mother resonates throughout the pages, particularly in a poignant pastoral elegy that captures the essence of grief and remembrance. Additionally, Arthur Rimbaud's spectral presence in an unexpected Lincolnshire landscape serves as a reminder of the search for connection in a world that often feels disjointed. The echoes of a lost pagan ancestry emerge subtly, reminding us of the cultural heritage that shapes our identities, even in the modern age.

At its core, Learning to Sleep is a meditation on the challenges posed by societal institutions, including religion and the constructs of gender and love. Through this lens, the poet reveals a profound sense of celebration and independence, even amidst the elegiac tone. The figure of Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, serves as a metaphor for the author's personal journey through a severe sleep disorder, culminating in a near-death experience that profoundly influences the latter sections of the book.