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18 Phonebox Magazine | March 2025Local author publishes poetry bookJames Clarke-Coley is an Olney-based writer who has released a new book of animal poetry concerning the plight of rivers and wildlife. Deb Griffi ths writes this review. In this evocative collection, the poet blends lyrical beauty, poignant themes, and a striking sense of nature%u2019s fragility. From light-hearted, playful poems like %u2018A Tern for the Worse%u2019 to the more sombre reflections on environmental destruction in %u2018An Epitaph to a Pine Marten%u2019 and %u2018An Owl Without a Barn,%u2019 the wo r k s h owc a se s a n i m p r e s s i v e balance of wit and weight. Through a combination of vivid imagery, rhythmic metre, and engaging rhyme, the poet brings the natural world to life while urging readers to refl ect on humanity%u2019s impact on it.The poet%u2019s use of rhyme is both eff ective and enriching. In %u2018Sounds like Tom%u2019 and %u2018Jurassic Joke%u2019 playful rhymes inject a sense of banter and lightness that contrasts with the more serious themes explored in the other poems. This light-hearted approach is mirrored in the lively rhythm of %u2018Summer is Here,%u2019 where the buzz of bees and the joys of summer come alive, off ering a stark contrast to the poignant tone of some other pieces.At the heart of the collection is the poet%u2019s exploration of wildlife, humanity%u2019s role in nature, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Many poems highlight the dignity and resilience of animals %u2013 such as the fastpaced %u2018Hare Raising%u2019 and the adaptable foxes of %u2018City Dweller.%u2019 These poems celebrate nature%u2019s wonder, capturing its vitality with infectious energy. However, the poet doesn%u2019t shy away from addressing more serious matters. Poems like %u2018Another Otter Hunt%u2019, %u2018Cold Hart%u2019, and %u2018A River%u2019s Lament%u2019 delve into the environmental destruction and habitat loss caused by human actions, raising awareness of the ever-present dangers that threaten our ecosystems.His love of rivers and aquatic life, especially in %u2018Could it be Again%u2019, where a sense of hope for the UK%u2019s rivers is being promoted by the many volunteers throughout the country. Above all, the author is a storyteller, using his poems to illustrate his passion and love of the natural world as a legacy, not only to his grandchildren but to many others too.%u2018Lady of the Loch%u2019 stands out as a particularly powerful piece, both in its imagery and metaphor. The descriptions of the osprey%u2019s hunting skills %u2013 %u2018Nature%u2019s palette, perfect hue,%u2019 %u2018painted silver scattered blue,%u2019 and %u2018missile grey%u2019 %u2013 evoke a strong sense of the loch%u2019s natural beauty, while the clever comparison of the osprey%u2019s vision to %u2018Contact Lens, before dawn of man%u2019 adds a layer of depth, bridging the natural world with human innovation.The book%u2019s illustrations further enhance the reader%u2019s experience, assisting them in drifting off through their mind%u2019s eye, fully immersed in the natural world the poet has so vividly created. Each illustration complements the poems, adding to the overall visual appeal, while encouraging refl ection and fostering an emotional connection with the themes explored.The book is well laid out and beautifully presented, making it as visually captivating as it is emotionally resonant. This careful attention to presentation makes it a pleasure to read, providing both a feast for the eyes and the soul.This collection serves as a call to action, urging readers to refl ect on their responsibility toward the environment. He lives by what he believes in, as all proceeds of the book are being donated to a local River Charity. The recurring themes of loss and hope, coupled with the delicate portrayal of the bond between humans and nature, make this book a must-read for nature enthusiasts, conservation advocates, and poetry lovers alike. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and a celebration of the resilience of the natural world.This collection is a perfect read for those who appreciate the beauty of nature, the intricacies of wildlife, and the importance of environmental preservation. Its emotional resonance and accessible language make it a compelling choice for a wide range of readers %u2013 from poetry lovers to educators, nature enthusiasts, and conservationists.Animal Blues is available in bookstores, including Waterstones and Olney%u2019s Snug Bookstore, and from Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/fbCN9wf.Another Otter HuntSleek, smooth, shining, slipping below,Luminous trail of bubbles as they go.With a shake of the head, a fl ick of the ear,As they were gone, would re-appear.Muzzles silver, whiskers glistening,Playful duet but always listening.Onto their backs, they clutch a crab,Saturday drunk with a lamb Kebab.They wolf it down, always sharing,With their pup, so very caring.Mum%u2019s milk for the lazy brood,Spending their time catching food.Sleek thick fur, slick polished oil,A racing turn made the water boil.The molluscs, anxious; panic below,Caught up; a swirling undertow.Oh feast, feast while you can,Fast approaching there comes a man.He%u2019s not the prospect of menacing threat,Just his four-legged murderous pet.The pair evaporate away,Leaving no trace of where they play.To protect, to nurture is their creed,Saving their pups from the canine greed.