A Wee Bit Zen

About the Book: 

This delightful new collection of short-form poetry from former Edinburgh Makar Alan Spence is a descendant of his bestselling cult classic Glasgow Zen.
Haiku and senryu, translations from the Japanese; found poems, sound poems, visual and text poems, puns and one-liners, overheard word-on-the-street poems, everyday zen; timeless poems of the here and now, capturing moments of stillness and surprise; poignant, insightful and touching, shot through with warmth and humour – a peculiarly Scottish take on things.
A book to dip into and savour.
A wee book with a big heart.

Reviews: 

Praise for  Glasgow Zen

One of Scotland’s most accomplished literary talents. Times Literary Supplement

Spence is a calm and necessary visionary, all openness of instinct and imagination. ALI SMITH

He is a gentle writer, but never sentimental. The beautiful moments have always been earned. He is a writer to cherish, one offering deep and fulfilling pleasures. ALLAN MASSIE, The Scotsman

Memorable poignancy and poetic compression. Sunday Times

The 150 pieces in this exquisite collection take the reader through the unfolding beauty of the passing seasons, their fleeting delights presented in a pleasing pocket-size format. Scotland on Sunday

About the Author:

ALAN SPENCE is an award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, playwright and short story writer, known for his haiku and reflective works rooted in Zen and everyday life. Born in Glasgow in 1947, he is Professor Emeritus in Creative Writing at the University of Aberdeen and was Edinburgh Makar from 2017 to 2021. He and his wife run the Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centre in Edinburgh. Alan has also spent a lot of time in Japan, gathering materials to enhance his writing.