In 2021, Nine Arches Press launched their nationwide Primers scheme for
a sixth time, in search of exciting new voices in poetry, with Rishi
Dastidar and Jane Commane as selecting editors. After reading
through hundreds of anonymous entries, and narrowing down the choices
from longlist to shortlist, three poets emerged as clear choices: Kym
Deyn, Estelle Price and Fathima Zahra.
Primers: Volume Six now brings together a showcase from each of
the three poets. Startling, original and packed with flair, Deyn, Price
and Zahra explore everything from magic and mourning, cross-examinations
of power and patriarchy, and the intimate secrets and 'Parent cuts' of
growing up. These are poems of becoming and being, of difference and
defiance, of other worlds, hard lessons and leaps of faith. Primers is
proud to present these bold and dynamic poems from three of contemporary
poetry's most exciting new voices.
Praise for Primers: Volume Six
"There is of course nothing more exciting in reading poetry than finding
a voice new to you, and feeling that feeling - where the brain says 'oh
hello, what have we here?', as the skin responds with a tingle and your
face starts smiling as you realise, there is something special in these
words. That, roughly described, was our initial sensation on seeing the
work of Kym Deyn, Estelle Price and Fathima Zahra. Each, in their unique
ways, have that uncanny ability to recast what you thought you knew, as
they make you look then look again at who we are, how we live, and what
we might be."
- Rishi Dastidar
