May Day is the long-awaited new poetry collection from one of our best-loved poets and former Makar of Scotland, Jackie Kay. These poems cast an eye over several decades of political activism, from the international solidarity of the Glasgow of Kay's childhood, accompanying her parents' Socialist campaigns, through the feminist, LGBT+ and anti-racist movements of the 80s and 90s, up to the present day when a global pandemic intersects with the urgency of Black Lives Matter. Kay brings to life a cast of influential figures, delving beneath the surfaces of received narratives: the Jamaican model Fanny Eaton, muse of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in England; Paul Robeson, Angela Davis and the poet Audre Lorde; and a 'what-if' poem concerning Rabbie Burns and a road-not-taken towards the West Indian slave trade. Woven through the collection is a suite of lyric poems concerning the recent losses of Kay's parents: poems of grief and profound change that are infused with the light of love and celebration.
Jackie Kay
Jackie Kay is a Scottish poet, playwright, and novelist known for her exploration of identity, race, and sexuality in her works. Her most notable works include the poetry collections "The Adoption Papers" and "Fiere," as well as the novel "Trumpet," which won the Guardian Fiction Prize. Kay's writing style is characterized by its emotional depth, humor, and lyrical language. She has made significant contributions to literature by giving voice to marginalized communities and challenging traditional notions of identity and belonging. Kay's impact on the literary genre is evident in her ability to blend personal experiences with broader social issues, creating a rich and nuanced portrayal of human existence. Her most famous work, "Trumpet," is a poignant and powerful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of identity.
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