Poetry. Introduction by Paul McCartney. "I want to be swept in fuck/ wrapped in fuck/ swallowed in fuck/ free in fuck/ fast in fuck/ fixed in fuck/ loved in fuck"—from the poem "hidden agenda". Since High on the Walls (1967) Pickard's always been a lone wolf, a dynamic, volatile writer. Spacious, sparse—of so few syllables, his poems and songs are visceral, slipping roughshed with sparks off their heels. "This collection of poems and songs soars over the fells, screeching truth, sex, humour, anger and love. With sharp vision Tom dissects his gut reaction and reminds us to appreciate the cool clear beauty of our situation"—Paul McCartney.

Author City: LONDON UK

Tom Pickard, a Newcastle-born writer who left school at 14 and fell swiftly under the spell of American Beat poetry and poets, was not only present at the birth of the British Poetry Revival in 1965 but also is credited with leading the charge. He is the author of nine books of poetry spanning four decades. In addition, he has made several documentaries, including We Make Ships (1988) about labor history in the north of England and Birmingham is What I Think With (1991) about the poet Roy Fisher. His many books include MORE PRICKS THAN PRIZES (Pressed Wafer, 2010), BALLAD OF JAMIE ALLAN (Flood Editions, 2007), THE DARK MONTHS OF MAY (Flood Edtions, 2004), HOLE IN THE WALL: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS (Flood Editions, 2002), and FUCKWIND (Etruscan Books, 1999).

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author page @ The Poetry Foundation