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The publication by Cinnamon Press of  Zones of Avoidance was celebrated at a book launch in Portsmouth on Sat 28 March.

Read Greg Freeman’s online review of the event »

A second book launch and poetry reading by Maggie Sawkins will be held at the University of Chichester on Weds 29 April, (5.15 – 6.15 pm).

Venue: Room H144, University of Chichester, Bishop Otter Campus, College Lane, Chichester, PO19 6PE

To see other videos from the production, click MEDIA »

A Cage went in search of a Bird
(Kafka)

What use is a cage
that’s become afraid

of its own trappings –
its mirror, its bell, its swing?

What use is an opening
that doesn’t stay open?

What use is a perch
that doesn’t stay still?

No use thinking things
will change

should a bird fly in
and make itself at home.

What use is a companion
if your fear’s so loud

you cannot hear
their song?

Maggie Sawkins is the winner of the Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry
Visit: http://www.zonesofavoidance.wordpress.com

The World’s Coat
‘In the struggle between yourself and the world, hold the world’s coat’ – Kafka

The world’s coat
has a zillion buttons made of stone,

has pockets
deeper than the Pacific Ocean.

With its collar pulled up
it reaches beyond the death of stars.

Its fabric can cope with hurricane and hail,
sandstorm and snow;

it can embrace your sorrow and your fear
of no tomorrow.

The world’s coat is lined with silk from all the silk worms
that ever existed;

its length is long but it never touches the ground.
There’s no reason to shun it.

It is waiting patient as the sky for you to sink
into the black holes of its arms.

The world’s coat
may seem an ill fit, but just turn up

its cuffs, it will grow into you,
or you into it.

Maggie Sawkins is the winner of the Ted Hughes Award…