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Released 30th June, 2023 // 84 pages // 978-1-915760-18-0 // RRP £9.99 In his debut collection a fondness for the colour green Charlie Baylis writes with the uninhibited brio of a drunken text to one’s ex. Ophelia face down in oceans of milk, suitcases full of whipped cream, Sinatra sleeping inside a spoon and other dreamlike images mesmerise the reader like confetti falling onto a bonfire.

You may have heard how rates of depression (and even suicide) tend to rise during the Christmas season. What many consider the happiest time of the year is, for some, the hardest to get through. But Christmas is not the only time of year when this happens: Valentine’s Day can be excruciating for those without a valentine.

Rest with me In this moment, As a leaf Floats gently down stream, Among diamonds of sunlight Returning to the sky. Stay in these moments, As the morning mist Floats above the surface Of the lush, green meadows, On the far side of the stream. Stay and listen To the morning song, Bringing music To the silence, A prelude gifted To the rising sun. Walk with me On my journey, We will talk Of forgiveness And peace. Chris Roe was born and still lives in Norfolk, England.