This Rock, That Rock, Poems Between You, Me and the Moon, by Dom Conlon, with illustrations by Viviane Schwarz, Troika Books.
This collection is full of shadows and light, stillness and life; by turns tender, soulful, imaginative, powerful and contemplative. Subjects address growth, coming to terms with being yourself, life, death, the universe and all within. Many children’s books can be enjoyed by all ages – but this is a book eminently suitable for sharing.
The title poem, This Rock, That Rock, about the Earth and the Moon, ends with the words:
This rock is overflowing with life
That rock is what makes life on the this rock possible
Dom’s poetry, it is a boost into a space in which you may find something which make life possible.
Here is my favourite (although Quietly Remarkable almost won!):
The Last Man on The Moon
Watch carefully, steal a glance
just before the door closes,
as your mum or dad
takes one last look
at your shadow-wrapped face,
and know that through you
they have walked upon the Moon
to memorise every feature
as though this is their last visit –
and it is
for tomorrow you will be older
and you might not let them land
a kiss upon your lips
or hold the glow of your spirit
in their hands. You might not
be as easy to reach
or even see because
yes, there will be days
when you go dark
but even then, you should know
that they will still be there
looking up for the thin crescent
of light to appear in their sky
like the opening of a bedroom door.
© Dom Conlon
Obviously recommended. 5 BIG stars.
Poetry Roundabout 