Biography
John Siddique FRSA is a spiritual teacher, poet, essayist and author. The Spectator describes him as ‘A Stellar British Poet,’ and ‘The Times of India calls him 'Rebellious by nature, pure at heart.' He is the author of Full Blood, Recital – An Almanac, Poems From A Northern Soul, and The Prize. His poetry collection Don’t Wear It On Your Head is a perennial favourite with younger readers. He is the co-author of the story/memoir Four Fathers. His poems, essays and articles have featured in Granta, The Guardian, Poetry Review, The Rialto and on BBC Radio 4. Acclaimed novelist Bina Shah says he is 'One of the best poets of our generation.' Jackie Kay speaks of Siddique’s writing as being ‘A brilliant balancing act.’ The Times describes Full Blood as 'Technically virtuosic, yet direct and sensual,’ and Dawn - Books & Authors says his work is ‘Bold as love... Each word is to be savoured like a sip of forbidden wine.' Professor Lauri Ramey of CSULA calls Recital ‘One of the most important British poetry books of the last twenty years.’ Siddique is well known for his authentic style, his captivating readings, and his infectious love of literature. He a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and is a Royal Literary Fund Consultant Fellow. John is the former British Council Writer-in-Residence at California State University - Los Angeles, and he holds the title of Honorary Creative Writing Fellow at Leicester University.
Samples
THIRST Imagine thirst without knowing water. And you ask me what freedom means. Imagine love without love. Some things are unthinkable, until one day the unthinkable is here. Imagine thirst without knowing water. Some things we assume just are as they are, no action is taken to make or sustain them. Imagine love without love. It is fear that eats the heart: fear and endless talk, and not risking a step. Imagine thirst without knowing water. Fold away your beautiful thoughts. Talk away curiosity, chatter away truth. Imagine love without love. Imagine believing in the whispers, the screams and the gossip. Dancing to a tune with no song to sing inside you. Imagine love without love. © John Siddique From 'Full Blood'
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