A volume of sensuous poetry on the themes of separation and division; including inspired poems on geographical divides, borders, the separation of the dead and the lving, the movement from childhood to adulthood, the ending of relationships, and divorce; the drama and friction of the poems are created with the juxtaposition of two diverse and separate states. Reprinted.

Cyfrol o gerddi synhwyrus iawn ar themâu gwahanu ac ymrannu; yn cynnwys cerddi ar ffiniau daearyddol, y gwahanu rhwng y byw a'r meirw, y symudiad o blentyndod i fod yn oedolyn, diwedd perthynas, ac ysgaru; y mae tyndra'r cerddi yn deillio o ddull y bardd o gymharu'r ddwy stâd ranedig a drafodir. Adargraffiad; cyhoeddwyd gyntaf yn Hydref 2005.

Confident, clear and with the power to evoke a charged, atmospheric scene dripping with the kind of emotion most authors strive a lifetime to perfect, this second set of poems from Owen Sheers is a truly compelling read. Taking on the vibrant and often bleak Welsh landscapes, as well as a myriad of political, personal and incidental subjects, this collection is as eclectic as it is vivid.

From verses exploring the deep intensity of a passionate encounter in Paris ('Valentine') to a typically forthright reaction to the undeniable presence of one of the world's most feared African leaders ('Drinking with Hitler'), the sweep of this book is a fast-paced joy to behold. There is no speculative self-indulgence here - only raw feelings and powerful emotions that fill each well-chosen word.

Moreover, with Sheer's poems, what comes first at all times is the reader and the full and life-affirming meaning one can garner from his verses. Utilizing, on the most part, a clear and concise diction, Sheer is able to imply so much in his words, never masking his meaning behind 'showboating' semantics or verbs. Indeed, filling these verses, often only five or six stanzas long, is a distinct clarity akin to the likes of Seamus Heaney.

If one were to be picky, perhaps the only slight problem is his occasional tendency to overstate the obvious. It could be said that the odd legalistic sum-up line may slightly taint the overall feel of a verse or two, but this is in no great detriment. Indeed, it is only the style and grace that his work radiates that show up these slight errors.

This is a must read - and part of a new wave of poetry set to excite. Sheers shows wonderful potential and a sparkling turn of phrase and Niall Griffiths is not wrong in summing this book up as 'just as it should be'.

Jack Clothier

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.