Biography
Ben Banyard lives in Portishead, near Bristol, where he writes poetry and short fiction. He has published three collections of his work to date - "Communing" (Indigo Dreams, 2016), "We Are All Lucky" (Indigo Dreams, 2018) and "Hi-Viz" (Yaffle Press, 2021). In addition to his writing, Ben edits Black Nore Review (https://blacknorereview.wordpress.com), a weekly blog showcasing the best in accessible contemporary poetry. He also blogs at https://benbanyard.wordpress.com, where you can read more examples of his work.
Samples
The Pigeon Strutting that opal sheen on my third floor ledge, chest puffed aloud. Her feathers fly as you treat her to your dance: she's Betty to your Wilson or Keppel at a push. I catch your beady proud stare and regret my intrusion. You pursue her still despite a firm ardour for my cheese and pickle. Two years I've sat here witnessing you woo a harem of young and old, trim and tatty, sleek and city-worn. And didn't I see you one lunch-time in Broadmead working on a dog-end and then crumbing through forests of legs outside Greggs? You live here better than me, taking your chances, grifting Bristol on two defiant wings and rooftop prayers. *** We Are All Lucky Yes, the city has better graffiti but the words set your fingers drumming. The lights remain red long enough for you to think about it as you idle. A mischievous part of you asks if Lucky is a cypher for Spartacus. What is luck, and do you believe in it? Is anyone truly, consistently unlucky? You are lucky you realise that the scrawl is true. There are sorrowful days, yes, shadows, sleepless nights. Sometimes wallets, keys, phones, people you love, go missing. But your life is not a passive coast from one negative to the next. There’s a lot of good fortune to be thankful for. You make a list.
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