poyums, the debut collection by Scots language poet Len Pennie, has been praised by poet Lesley Benzie.

“In an era when progress demands that we question the very nature of gender, Len Pennie’s deeply personal poems speak universal truths about women’s experience that has, once you scratch beyond the laws and surface gains and take a peek at the ‘chat’ on social media, changed little from my own of 40 years hence.

Women and those men, who seek equality, will take strength from Len’s bravery in so candidly revealing her hurt, sorrow, shame and sense of injustice. The fainthearted may prefer to avoid the brutal reality portrayed by such lines as, ‘Don’t bite the hand groping you, savour each poke’. An experience that arises from deeply ingrained inequalities, that play out in everyday personal and social relationships, and specifically in men’s expectations. But those made of sterner stuff are in for a bounty of poems full of raw beauty and defiance.

One of the few politicians of integrity, Tony Benn, said, ‘Every single generation has to fight the same battles again and again and again. There’s no final victory. And there’s no final defeat’.

And wow is Len fighting. Cleverly and with such brutal humour she takes men, in the poem ‘In their own words’ and hangs them by their own petard. This is poetry that channels rage, writ from the heart and burning incandescent it lights up hope for every generation—and also speaks to her own bright poetic future.”

poyums will be released on 22nd February 2024 and is available for pre-order now. You can order your copy here.

Follow Len on TikTok @misspunnypennie and Twitter @Lenniesaurus.