Poetry Review: The X of Y

Colin Dardis is a poet, editor and arts coordinator from Northern Ireland. I recently had the opportunity to interview Colin about this lovely new release - so do check back and read up on the influences behind this collection!The X of YBlurb: Reality and escapism, protection and peeling away, prayer and sacrilege, resistance and surrender. Navigating an often complex and uneven playing field, Colin Dardis strives to find balance from a life constantly fluctuating between profit and loss. The poems on offer here explore questions of existence and identity, asking who we really are, and how we can possibly be.My review: My favourite poem from the collection was Lepidopterology – a name which I had to do my research on! The definition is ‘a branch of entomology concerning the scientific study of moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies.’ This is a poem which explores how fleeting and beautiful life can be – Colin suggests that people cannot be pinned down or treated as disposable/collective. The collection feels like a step back from life in order to reflect – Dardis reminisces on childhood and the nature around him: ‘we stand and watch, our trust placed in the fire, a heaven sent gift, a fervent prayer’ On a silly note, Colin seems to hate the neighbour’s cat. As a dog lover, these moments pleased me greatly (controversial).Links To buy the book: https://store.eyewearpublishing.com/collections/prose/products/the-x-of-y