A NEW book of poetry by a Camelford writer takes much influence from the surrounding area.
‘By Association’, written by David Pike, was?published in October with a short print run of 100 copies.
David started writing poems whilst at school, but more avidly during the 1980s.
He said: “I’ve always been in to writing in one form or another. I started by writing song lyrics but swapped to poetry in later years. I take my time when writing poems, with many re-drafts. I’m very picky and mull over things until I’m happy with the end result.
“I write about all topics with a keen eye for minutia, with every day things in sharp focus. My main influences are Charles Causley, and to some extent Philip Larkin.”
David moved to Camelford in August 2020 and has taken a lot of inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings.
He said: “Featured areas included in the book, (and previous books), include, page 16, Old Cheesy, which refers to HGV tankers and the creamery at Davidstow, page 17, Bones, which relates to the river Camel and draining the moor, page 18, The Traveller, which refers to a Cornish ghost story about Jan Tregeagle and the draining of Dozmary Pool, page 20, New Life, which refers to brown trout seen swimming in the river Camel at Camelford in March 2021, page 21, Conversation, about the rattling of slate tiles on our roof during a gale, blowing from Bodmin Moor.”
When asked how he feels to have had another book of poems published, David added: “Always pleased when a new book is published, a culmination of hours of fun writing and editing.”
The book has been widely received and has been praised for its depiction of the magic of every day life.
Giving his thoughts on the new publication Paul Tanner, poet and book reviewer, said: “Superheroes? Swollen ankles? Broken guitars? David Pike can write about anything. He celebrates the familiar, even the minutiae, until it’s lightly touched by the surreal. Litter pickers grab stars, the pig in a butcher’s window talks back, doctor’s assistants sneak peeks while your changing.
“He deftly unfurls the magic of everyday life with a punchy immediacy that keeps you reading. You almost feel bad for not seeing as much as he does. Thank God he’s written it all down.
“Even a poem about a game of darts demands you read the next line, and the one after that — and then you’ve read them all, and need more. The elegant strength of this collection perfectly demonstrates why he remains a welcome constant of the British poetry scene, from indie zines to BBC radio. More Pike Poetry, please.”
David also founded Pulsar Poetry Magazine in 1995, an altruistic concern, which converted to Pulsar Poetry Webzine in 2009.
Pulsar Poetry Webzine continues to-date with David as editor.
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