Author(s): ANNE HARVEY

Poetry

Nearly all of us have an 'auntie' or 'aunty' even if the person in question isn't actually a relative. In these entertaining and touching poems we meet story-telling aunts and aunts who spin their own yarn, aunts who send gifts from afar and an aunt with a crew cut who knows far more about love than could ever be imagined. The poems demonstrate that the essence of being an aunt is to always be there when needed: When your heart breaks, as hearts sometimes do, Aunt Constance at Looewill feed it on Cornish cream and philosophy, soothe it with strawberries for tea; from 'Aunts' by Virginia Graham The poems tender and wry by turn are a reminder that aunts in all their various guises are to be treasured and celebrated. Poems by Moniza Alvi, Martin Armstrong, Charles Causley, Virginia Graham, Langston Hughes, Norman MacCaig, John McCullough, Stevie Smith, Joyce Sutphen and Christine Webb. Cover illustration by Hilke MacIntyre. Includes one poetry pamphlet, envelope and co-ordinating bookmark with space for your own personal message.