Mike Harding’s first collection of poetry for adults was submitted under a nom de plume (Christopher O’Neil) to several publishers and was eventually taken up by Peterloo Poets, one of the most respected poetry presses in the country. The book had several glowing reviews and still continues to sell well.

Wetpatch

And afterwards, the blackbird on the thorn
Still echoing our slowly-quietening hearts.
You got up to make some coffee and I turned,
Seeing the small damp ellipse printed on
The sheet, a moist oval, a cabochon
Slit by a darker hair-line just as though
Upon the linen we had both bestowed
A kiss.

1992

Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Peterloo Poets (12 Oct 1992)
ISBN-10: 1871471311
ISBN-13: 978-1871471311

A stand-up comic and singer, well-known through his television appearances, Mike Harding proves himself an accomplished serious poet in this first full volume. The poems were submitted under a pseudonym, and Harding only admitted his real identity on their acceptance. The volume is a University of Sussex Ralph Lewis Award winner. Harding is a keen walker and is vice-president of the Ramblers Association. The publication of “Daddy Edgar’s Pools” coincides with that of his book “Walking the Peaks & Pennines” (Michael Joseph).