Interruptus

For a free electronic copy of the book, please contact [email protected]

This is the second collection of poems by Felicity Teague, accepted for publication by White Violet Press in August 2024 only for the contract to be terminated by mutual agreement due to the author's worsening illness. These are metrical poems (rhythmic!), mostly Light genre but some shadier; themes include animal antics, local traditions, chronic illness, fantasy.

This book is a real pleasure to read. The poet's wit shines brilliantly through the likes of "Potatoes interruptus," "A Royal Visit," and "Living with Arthur Ritis," while her tenderness for a magical menagerie - not least a colombine companion called Coo, Queenie the guinea pig, and the regal George Swan - is a delight. Felicity Teague is the true heir of Edward Lear and Doctor Doolittle. And that is very good company indeed! But she also ventures into the dark, inspired by her long illness and time in the hospital. This is a poetry collection like no other and you won't want to miss it. Highly recommended.
Michael R. Burch, Poet and Editor, The HyperTexts

Felicity Teague writes with grace and ease. One has the feeling she could write pages without effort. She shares this talent with Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll, whose touch is similarly light. One joy of this book is its formal variety, including sonnet, ode, pantoum, limerick, ballad, and the wondrous "Grebe Barcarolle." The material ranges from "The Knife Angel" to "Touché," a tongue-in-cheek description of flatworms mating. There is straight-up children's verse and there are echoes of the Great War poets. But perhaps what distinguishes this collection most is Fliss's gift for finding a voice for each mute actor on the world's stage.
John Claiborne Isbell, Poet

In this collection, Felicity Teague invites readers on a journey through a lively year interrupted by illness. Many of her light poems animate Nature's quirkiest inhabitants, drawing out humor and wonder combined. Rich in onomatopoeia and woven with precise rhyme and meter, each verse is a testament to the poet's skill in capturing a range of creatures, such as a staring guinea pig ("Staring Competition"), a sinister otter ("This Charming Mammal"), and a stunning bird of Paradise ("6-Plumes"). Her darker work is just as accomplished, especially in its spiritual themes.
Martin Elster, Poet and Percussionist

Her poems are always so neatly observed, and witty and clearly expressed.
Felicity Teague's at the top of the league, and for animal poems the best.
George Simmers, Poet and Editor, Snakeskin