Moonsong

"Moonsong expands the definition of philosophy. It seeks to understand the nature of existence, knowledge, thought, religion, and the meaning of life. Whether looking at space exploration, the creation of the universe, or cave paintings in the Pyrenees, Clive's poems advise 'there is no darkness, only light, everywhere and always'. Where the hiss of atoms jostling in the air' can be experienced on a 'mundane Monday morning' train journey to work, or a night spent drinking with God might result in a 'discount Judgement Day where all that is saved is the receipt,' the poet also celebrates the simple pleasure of whisky and a radio in a shed at 3 a.m."

(Morag Anderson, 2023 Aryamati Pamphlet Winner)

"'No-one can see you on the dark side of the Moon, / but on the dark side of the Moon, you can see further / than anyone in the Earthshine ever has.' This section from Bondarenko Crater, about a cosmonaut who died in a tragic accident, sets the tone for this wonderful collection. Dark and light, shadows and brightness, all gathered together in one glorious place."

(Fin Hall, poet, producer, filmmaker, performer)

"Real things and things of the mind: all dealt with via a trenchant, tender voice that ought to strike a chord with anyone accustomed to the joys of poetry."

(Professor Gerard Carruthers FRSE, Francis Hutcheson Chair of Scottish Literature, University of Glasgow)