This collection of poetry by Raymond Antrobus explores themes of family, identity, loss, and the human experience through vivid and emotional verses. The poems capture everyday encounters and global experiences in a raw yet engaging voice. Critics praise Antrobus for finding his own powerful poetic voice to speak the truths of human existence.

3. “Imagine what a sentient creature must feel seconds before facing
its death in the slaughter house. Imagine dying from heart break
but having to still remain alive. Indeed that is from where
Antrobus lives to write ‒ those places that are forever hurting
while quietly begging for grace”
Anthony Anaxagorou
"Raymond’s poetry is the proof against any suggestion that
performing poets aren’t real poets. He silences the argument and
the audiences and lets human beings speak through his words."
Hollie Mcnish
“The reason that Spread the Word tries to support writers like
Raymond is because of collections like this. Raymond's poetry is
vivid and emotional, raw at times or just plain funny. This honest
and engaging frst collection takes the poetry of the everyday
global encounter, and speaks it vividly onto the page.”
Spread The Word
"Blistering. Raymond's verse has sharpened tremendously in last
few months. And in his 'A Conversation With...' pieces he's found
his own voice. And what a moving voice it is too."
PoeJazzi

4. SHAPES
AND
DISFIGUREMENTS
OF
RAYMOND ANTROBUS
Burning Eye

5. Copyright © 2012 Raymond Antrobus
The author asserts the moral right under the Copyright, Designs
and Patents Act 1988 to be identifed as the author of this work
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means without the prior written consent of the
author, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or
cover other than that in which it is published and without a
similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
This edition published by Burning Eye Books 2012
www.burningeye.co.uk
@burningeye
ISBN 978 1 90913 607 6

6. ONE NIGHT AT ZULA BAR IN CAPE TOWN
I’m dancing,
I’m dancing more
I’m dancing more than I ever danced.
More than I danced at my cousin’s wedding,
more than I danced on my 21st Birthday
(which was a 70’s roller disco)
I drink Milk Stout beer
at the Zula Bar
and dance with girls I won’t take home.
I haven’t slept in weeks,
but I’m still doing the shuffle with the 3am crowd.
It doesn’t matter how much I miss my sister
even though we’ve never danced in the same room.
Doesn’t matter that my dad won’t be alive by the time
I understand him.
Doesn’t matter that I might be talking to Grandma’s gravestone
by the time I’m home.
Doesn’t matter that my entire family think I’m strange
and I think they are normal.
Doesn’t matter that I should have told Sophie the truth
that I didn’t want another person in my life that I could lose
or let down.
Doesn’t matter that it’s 4am now
and behind me a girl is yelling
This music is so good it hurts!
and I’m dancing, dancing
like dancing is a kind of pain
and all I can do is
shake.

7. CONVERSATION WITH A SOUTH AFRICAN TAXI
DRIVER
From ‘The Coloured Experience’
‪
Traffc Lights? My friend, you are in Africa. They are called Robots.
When they turn green, still you cannot trust. No road wants you to get
too comfortable. There are drunk drivers and many deaths, mostly
pedestrians. Life eh? Cross one road badly and your whole life knocked
away. Look out on your left. See how the waves rise out the sea like white
horses and crash to the yellow rocks? That says Africa is a woman, only
women have that much colour in their fury. You know, I'm Muslim, a
good Muslim. I do not drink. Many Muslims learn Islam through other
idealistic Muslims instead of Islam itself. Like the women who are not
allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, I do not know where that comes from
but it's not from Islam. Islam is not strict, it offers many choices. You’re
an atheist? Is that the name of your God? OK, we're here. Great to meet
you today Ray, take my number. I can come when the morning gets up
tomorrow. Call it nine ffteen, Africa time… you might call it 11. OK
Ray? See you at nine ffteen‬.