For anyone who finds solace and meaning in the written word, “A Collection” by Becca Furze Thomas offers an emotional and stirring invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with the human experience. This debut poetry anthology is not just a book—it’s a raw and intimate window into a life lived thoughtfully, beautifully, and with remarkable honesty.
This article may include affiliate links. Click here to read our full Affiliate Disclosure. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Penned over the course of many years, from the author’s early childhood right through to the present day, “A Collection” brings together an evocative range of poems that explore life’s intricate tapestry: from grief and innocence to nature, music, and the passage of time. Becca Furze Thomas doesn’t just write poetry; she distils experience. Each poem captures a fleeting moment or emotional truth that feels both deeply personal and strikingly universal.
One of the most powerful entries in the collection is “Graves of the Undead”, written in 2008. Inspired by a French graveyard where soldiers from the World Wars are buried, many far from their home countries, this poem carries a heartbreaking weight. While it has an unfinished quality, that sense of incompleteness reflects the countless stories of those lost soldiers. Becca Furze Thomas transports the reader directly into that graveyard, allowing us to feel the sacrifice and sorrow etched into its silence.
The poet’s thoughtful approach to form and technique shines in “Roses” and “Roses 2”, both written in 2014. These are two versions of the same poem, yet they carry different emotional impacts. The first is left raw and unfinished, making it hit harder emotionally, while the second reads more complete but doesn’t land quite as strongly. It’s a compelling reminder that what’s left unsaid can often say the most, and it showcases how poetic choices can transform meaning in subtle, deliberate ways.
Anxiety is tenderly explored in “Window”, originally written between 2002 and 2004 and then revisited in 2023. Through soft, lyrical lines, the poem creates a heartfelt connection with the protagonist, gently capturing the complexities of mental health with poetic vulnerability.
“Six O’Clock News”, penned in 2011, stands out as perhaps the most poignant and socially resonant poem in the collection. Written in response to a news report about the Israeli demolition of makeshift buildings in a Palestinian village, the poem presents the perspectives of two girls—one Palestinian, and one Israeli. With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East still unfolding today, the piece takes on a renewed urgency. Becca Furze Thomas handles the dual narrative with honesty and grace, creating a balanced yet deeply affecting commentary that lingers long after reading. It’s a poem that speaks volumes, and one that will not be forgotten.
There’s also a beautifully layered trio in “My Melody”, “Melody 1”, and “Melody 2”, all written on 6 March 2011. Dedicated “for Melody”, these three pieces flow into one another, weaving together slight variations of the same scene. Each shift in language alters the lens ever so slightly, offering readers a fresh emotional angle with each version. It’s poetic storytelling at its most skilful, quietly innovative and deeply thoughtful.
Lighter in tone but no less impactful is “Sunset”, which brings the serenity of nature to the forefront. Through its gentle imagery of a sunset accompanied by a rainbow, the poem radiates warmth and beauty. That softness is quickly juxtaposed in “Sunday Morning”, written the same year and dedicated “for Hope”. At first, the poem seems playful, featuring three pet rabbits. But as the piece unfolds, sadness creeps in. Any pet lover will likely feel the ache of this narrative twist, and it’s this ability to catch readers off-guard that defines Becca Furze Thomas as a masterful storyteller.
Ultimately, “A Collection” is a deeply human experience in written form. With escapism, emotion, rhythmic flow, and a narrative touch, there’s truly something for everyone within its pages. The collection spans over two decades, from 1997 to 2023, revealing not just the evolution of a poet, but a steady, heartfelt dedication to the craft of writing. Readers will find echoes of themselves here: in grief, in joy, in quiet reflection, and in moments they thought they had forgotten.
Published by Olympia Publishers, “A Collection” is available in paperback from Amazon, Waterstones, Bookshop, and directly from the publisher. Whether you’re a long-time poetry lover or simply curious about the power of words to connect us, this anthology deserves your attention, and a permanent place on your bookshelf.
Standout Poems to Look Out For in “A Collection”
Becca Furze Thomas covers a wide range of emotional and poetic ground in this anthology. Here are just a few of the standout poems discussed in our review:
- “Graves of the Undead” – A haunting reflection on war graves and the untold stories of fallen soldiers.
- “Roses” & “Roses 2” – Two versions of the same poem that explore how structure and incompleteness shape meaning.
- “Window” – A soft, lyrical meditation on anxiety and inner reflection.
- “Six O’Clock News” – A powerful dual-narrative poem about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, deeply relevant today.
- “My Melody”, “Melody 1”, and “Melody 2” – A poetic trio that shifts perspectives across a single moment in time.
- “Sunset” – A gentle, beautiful snapshot of nature’s warmth and peace.
- “Sunday Morning” – A deceptively cute poem about pet rabbits that turns heartbreaking in a single verse.
These selections only scratch the surface of what “A Collection” offers, but they highlight the emotional range and poetic insight this poet brings to every page.
Becca Furze Thomas, who resides in Kent with her husband and their three guinea pigs, brings a lifetime of quiet observation and lived experience to her work. From copying poems as a child to writing her own, she’s carried her passion for words through every phase of life. And with “A Collection”, she invites us all to walk beside her on that journey.