I should declare from the outset immediate bias as I seem to love all Helen’s work. However, in fairness to me, it seems so does most everyone else!

I have a vague plan to buy up the entirety of her poetry collection over time and 13 is my latest addition. It does exactly what it says on the side of the can. Each and every poem is 13 words, no more, no less.

A couple of charming examples:

The ebb and flow of tide slowed, until the tide became the horizon.

Deep graves, dark subways, bright streetlife, skyscrapers, heaven; a tier for every soul.

This surprisingly thick book arose from a challenge Helen was set and once her unique imagination was given free rein, it turned into a tome packed with nearly 100 pages of these tiny gems.

Those already familiar with her work will know that she doesn’t just frolic around in the sunny meadows of poetry:

Little moth clapping at the firelight. Your dust residue of a joyful night.

Countless raindrops circle sky to sea; spirits of the drowned wash over me.

This is an adorable collection, still displaying all of Helen’s immense talent, just on this occasion in pocket sized bites!

Whether poetry lover or not, this book would make the perfect seasonal gift for those who prefer their words pithy and to the point but still showered in stardust!