new from above/ground press: The Winter Circus, by Conal Smiley

The Winter Circus
Conal Smiley
$5

It’s normal to
fear your mind

I’m afraid

that people
will discover

a note on the
xylophone

that when
repeatedly hit

will drill itself
into my skull

like construction
out the bedroom

window
early in

the morning

all detours
leading to a single

congested street
stucco falling

published in Ottawa by above/ground press
October 2024
a/g subscribers receive a complimentary copy

Conal Smiley was born in London, ON. His childhood was spent combing the aisles of bookstores, video stores and record shops, which is where his passion for the arts began. He is mostly self-taught, and after some creative writing classes at UofT, he decided to pursue poetry. He currently lives in Toronto and works in bookstores.

To order, send cheques (add $1 for postage; in US, add $2; outside North America, add $5) to: rob mclennan, 2423 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa ON K1H 7M9. E-transfer or PayPal at rob_mclennan (at) hotmail.com or the PayPal button at www.robmclennan.blogspot.com