Guinea Pigs, God and the Garden
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A collection of poems - some fun, some insightful, all delightful - by former radio host, Elspeth Jackman.
It’s not the crumbs in the bed
Or the hairbrush on the breakfast table
Or the dog-hairs on the chairs
Or even guinea pig poos in the conservatory
That bother me.
Not much, anyway.
What bothers me
Is that no-one else
No-one else (un-chivvied)
Will do anything about it.
Only me!
Brilliantly original and astonishingly funny, this beautifully crafted book of verse turns the everyday mundane into inspiring illustrations that sing of the richness and wonder of life.
About the Author
Elspeth Jackman
Elspeth Jackman started her career in children’s librarianship, moving on to be Children’s Book Editor at Scripture Union. After that she worked freelance for Radio Leicester as an interviewer, presenter and producer of children’s programmes. Then she joined the staff at Nottingham’s Trent FM. After marrying David, she started preschool music groups, building up from 9 children to 500 over many, many years. Her creativity is seen in the Christian books she has written, her delight in painting, voluntary radio in St. Albans where she worked for over 12 years, and her piano teaching where she feels a great rapport with her young pupils.
Endorsements and Reviews
Bill Hamilton, Broadcaster and Journalist
Brilliantly original and astonishingly funny, this beautifully crafted book of verse turns the everyday mundane into inspiring illustrations that sing of the richness and wonder of life. Elspeth Jackman’s ability to see the humorous side of any situation and her vivid imagination draw you in. Her love of life, nature and humanity are all embracing. So too, her sympathy for the animal kingdom, even to the ant battling to survive in a crowded railway carriage and the worms busily at work in the garden compost heap.
A broadcaster, musician and painter, Elspeth emerges as a creative artist in another medium, celebrating all that’s around us even in the dark, lonely days of lockdown. Her deep Christian conviction also comes to the fore. A celebration of belief in the Creator follows naturally from embracing the day to day joys of life.
Bill Hamilton
Broadcaster and Journalist
Neil Wilkin, Chair of Holy Fools, 2 Gether 4 God
This is a well written book of poems. It for me summed up what life’s experiences are like, as we come to grips with life today as we know it. The poems reminded me of real life and not just how we see it in our mind. It made me ask how do other people see life today, from the routine of visiting a garden centre during lockdown, to working in the garden and to realising that if we keep active in mind and with our bodies we can still have fun.
I felt is was useful to have the frustrations of lockdown towards the end of the poems as the earlier stories made me want to explore more of the book and not focus on the real outside people world.
The last section made me think, yes, what if there was no God, why are we here and what is our purpose in this world?
I found it a rewarding book that made me think, yes, this is how I work and I see the world. I am sure many will feel the same. The book made me aware I am not the only one who can feel isolated and feel like I am living on a desert island; others are as well. The book at the start took me in stages from my childlike imagination to the real world we live in today.
I was left feeling, what can we do to change the way we think? What can we do to change the world and the mindset of the people who live in it? The book did inspire me, left me wanting more and yet also gave me a sense of purpose and belonging in the world I work in as a performing artist, using story, drama, puppets and clown.
Neil Wilkin
Chair of Holy Fools
2 Gether 4 God
Helen Rist, Co-leader of Forest Town Church
Guinea Pigs, God and the Garden is an anthology of poems that captures a thoughtfulness and sense of wonder in the everyday. We are transported to Elspeth’s world and are invited to see afresh through her eyes. These are poems filled with hope and energy and joy.
Elspeth reflects on things that touch all our lives and through her poetry she allows us to explore questions about life and to stand back and simply enjoy shared experiences that we can all relate to.
From tiny creatures to soul-searching thoughts, from family life to growing old, this collection of poems is a beautiful way to be inspired and to find a space to stop and simply relish these enlivening, happy verses.
Helen Rist
Co-leader
Forest Town Church, St Albans
Andy Smith, Performance poet and friend
Elspeth Jackman is a champion of creativity and has encouraged the creative efforts of so many in her desire to serve her Creator and His people. So what a delight to see her own talents sparkle in this multifaceted
collection of verse; engaging and gently provocative words that delve into daily life … and the mysteries of God!
Andy Smith
Performance poet and friend
Trevor Withers, Team Leader of Network Church
Yet another delightful read from Elspeth’s pen. Often with a light touch and humorous insight, Elspeth’s reflections on life and its meaning open up her world to us. Her creativity and love of life shine through her words.She gently draws our attention to things that can cause us to question our own perspectives, a real skill. To use her own words, ‘My personality pours through every part of my being. My expression, my vitality, my words, my voice, my heart to love.’ Elspeth’s desire to ‘live life to the full’ is evident not only when you meet her in person but on these very pages. A joy to read.
Trevor Withers
Team Leader of Network Church
St Albans and Harpenden
From tiny creatures to soul-searching thoughts, from family life to growing old, this collection of poems is a beautiful way to be inspired…
