What they say about our books

“Romanceros does what only poetry’s best self can do: it sees around corners, through cracks in perception; it lifts to the light and turns from every possible angle, a story we thought we knew by heart. These tightly turned vignettes draw from multiple literary, artistic and historical sources to create a layered lyric archive of the Spanish Civil War. Romanceros’ special gift lies in Beagrie’s attention to detail; in capturing those minute nuances of place and voice. While clearly a writer of depth and daring, this collection reveals him as an exemplary reader and historical listener, equally able to lay bare the obscenity of war and to capture the hope of enduring resistance.”

–  Fran Lock

To Write About a Black Horse

 To write about a black horse,
you must have stood in its presence –
not just ridden it,
but witnessed the sun pouring
like warm honey
over its glossy coat,
with the green grasses shaking,
alive, ready to be crushed
under the weight of that power.

You must look inside of its nostrils –
two caves forming tornadoes.
Its hooves – shovels of dust.
Its tail – the softest whip.

To write about a black horse,
you must first understand
that unlike its gallop,
your legs will never make
the ground tremble
when you walk upon it.

- Nazaret Ranea