This is my first collection of free verse, rhyme, anecdote, and epitaph. A right gob full. It has become a memoir of sorts composed of what I would best describe as poetic fumblings. With a backdrop of The Black Country and Brummagem, these are recollections and short glimpses into my world and the many strange chords that have been struck and have stuck.

Though not simply a poetic list of loved ones and pivotal events, many such folk and things are indeed mentioned, and I have therefore attempted some sort of chronological order. A serious bit of fun.

I hope you enjoy meeting some of the wonderfully outlandish characters that have passed through my life, together with a few equally memorable bastards.

MARK SKIRVING