Shocks and Stares

This is Steve Wheeler at his creative lunatic best. If the crazy cover doesn't convince you, then read on.... He claims that this collection of poetry has been twenty-five years in the making. Although all of the poems are new, the concept goes back to 1995. He began to conceive of the idea when he was playing with words (as he often does) and came up with the spoonerism Shocks and Stares (see what he did there?) It made a lot of sense to him, because it spoke of weird and wonderful things that compel people to stop, and stare transfixed at what is happening right in front of them. The poems in this collection are fast moving, hard hitting, hilarious, emotional, and at times quite visceral. They will make you stop and stare.... Containing 90 poems and an end-piece, Shocks and Stares covers a plethora of themes and is written in a variety styles, including freeform, standard metre and rhyme, villanelles and pantoums.

Some pieces are strangely epic, including 'Orchestral Stabs' about an orchestra that goes on a murderous spree, 'I ate a planet' (which rivals the bizarre Monsieur Creosote sketch from Monty Python) and 'Villain' which features an ex-East End villain who finally gets his comeuppance on the Costa Brava. There are strange visions and dreams presented - 'I ordered an Uber and a Hearse showed up instead' is an account directly lifted from a psychology study in which dreams and nightmares during the pandemic were analysed, while 'Vinyl Blare' contains the titles and lyrics of more than 40 popular songs, crafted together into a poetic narrative. See if you can spot them all! This poet does not pull his punches, taking pot-shots at everything from opulence and the causes of poverty, homelessness, addictive behaviour, through to the pomposity of organised religion and the stupid and thoughtless acts that have driven us the brink of global catastrophe and the destruction of our planet. If you like strange, imaginative and positively off-the-wall verse that is at once both entertaining and challenging, Shocks and Stares is the book of poetry for you. What they said:

Anyone who is familiar with Steve’s work will know that he’s a man who aspires to inspire, and for those new to his work, I assure you that you too will be inspired. “Shocks and Stares” is a very difficult read to put down, so full of very relatable poetry touching on life’s ups and downs (and everything in between). It’s an absolute winner!! - Jason Cunningham (Founder, Poet’s Corner).

I imagine a glint in the bard's eyes as I read the wonderful poetry. There’s something for everyone, a great sense of dark humour with an added pleasure of reading the world put to rights! You get to know the character writing with the wonderful words he’s written in each poem. A pleasurable experience from start to finish, once picked up, very hard to put down. A clever, well organised book. - Charlene Phare (Founder, Pure Poetry).

Well I have to say this has been my favourite up to now, from all of the other books that I have in my possession from the amazing Mr Steve Wheeler. His poetry provokes a lot of emotions from laughing out loud to reflecting on the inequalities of the world. This is different from his other books, which are also of a very high standard. I look forward to reading more of his work. Definitely buy a copy. You will not be disappointed. - Pureheart Wolf, Poet and writer.

Steve Wheeler is an artist who paints with words leading to the introspection of imaginations. His poetry can surely cause shocks and stares. His reaching of definitions bring vocabulary to life and his words leave shadow to paper. Of more than good humor, his integrity shows through, as the greatest material expressed is the truth of one's life. Steve's exposé of literary gems exposes inner questions of life, similes of simplicities and metaphors of magnificence marinated with love lifted with laughter. As his mechanism is of pen, his writes are more than entertaining; his flights of lyrical fancy leave you wanting for more and lead you to an anticipation of his next conception. - Eric Aguilar, Poet

You can purchase your copy of Shocks and Stares in paperback, Kindle or hardcover editions by following the link to the Wheelsong Books Website.

Image copyright Wheelsong Books 2023