What lies beyond the familiar and tangible? In this collection Richard Lister explores what happens at life's edges. He reflects on how we respond to loss, vulnerability and hope and considers themes of perseverance and grace. Eileen Casey describes his work as
'rich in allusions and textual layers'
and '
a celebration of ordinary magic perceived by a keen eye'.
Richard writes with warm empathy about people who live at the margins. These encounters are informed by his experience of living in Malawi, Cambodia and across the UK. Sky Island Journal commented that they
'rarely see this kind of emotional intimacy executed with such svelte grace'
. As a semi-abstract painter, Richard writes with an artist's eye for the evocative.
His work is published in a wide range of international and national publications including Orbis, Ekphrastic Review and Sky Island Journal. His poetry was longlisted for the Canterbury Festival Poet of the Year 2022, was included in 'The Fading of the Light' exhibition and is audio-exhibited at the Watts Gallery. He works alongside local people to tackle poverty in East and Central Africa and South and South-East Asia.