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Excerpt from «White Knuckle»

Nursing

Pushed from the womb.

Into rat-infested squalor.
Where the lights didn’t burn,
and the water didn’t flow.

Into a world of drug and domestic abuse.
Where father held fire under the spoon,
and mother wept through bruised eyes.

Into physical and emotional abuse.
Where beatings broke the skin,
and we suffered piss-taking daily.

Into sleeping rough and foster care.
Where nights ached with unrest,
and foster houses were never home.

Sometimes we are hurled towards the tit,

and the breast milk we swallow
is rotten.

But we need it.

It makes us
grow.

© Steven Bruce

Praise for "White Knuckle"

"White Knuckle" is Steven Bruce's poignant debut poetry collection, providing a stark autobiographical account of growing up in a poverty-stricken, drug-ridden and violent environment.

This book is a powerful and essential read, depicting a childhood marked by brutal realities, tragedy, and early abandonment.

"An overwhelmingly good collection. The use of enjambment here is impeccable, giving the entire collection a cadence akin to that of a march through the author's own personal underworld."
-- Owen Green, The Book Nook Review

"One of the most authentic autobiographies told in verse."
-- Steve Quade, Indies Today

"This is a very powerful and inspiring book that will touch the hearts of a lot of readers."
-- Ria Kataria, The Online Book Club

"This is an in-depth essay unravelling through complex human emotions. Their beauty lies in their unadulterated voice."
-- Amina Thajudeen, The Ultimate Reviewer

"The true power of poetry is sharing the struggles of life and this book drives that home."
-- Rob Alex, Book Promotion Club

Awards and Honors

Winner of the 2022 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
Recipient of the Indies Today Five-Star Recommendation Badge
Runner-Up for the 2021 Indies Today Poetry Book Award
Finalist for the 2021 Wishing Shelf Non-fiction Book Award
Shortlisted for the 2021 International Poetry Book Award

Kindle (and paperback)

Author Biography

Steven Bruce is a multiple award-winning author. His poetry and short stories have appeared in numerous international anthologies and magazines. In 2018, he graduated from Teesside University with a Master of Arts in Creative Writing. His work often explores themes of trauma and resilience. Born in England, Steven now resides and writes full-time in Poland.

Website: https://www.stevenbrucewriter.co.uk
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20599226.Steven_Bruce