Forwards Always is a collection of silly, heartfelt, nonsense poems to be read aloud with friends and loved ones.

You may need to practice certain poems more than once before you get the hang of them, as you would dancing the rumba or making pancakes.

Play with the book, it is a toy. Rotate it, squeeze it and wave it about. Hold it with someone else, wear it as a hat or try reading it upside down. Some poems may be improved by two readers taking turns or even reading aloud at the same time.

Have fun and find your own way forwards!

Matthew Hodson is a graphic artist and poet. He likes other people, the woods and boiled eggs. He is frustrated by cynicism and mould. His client list includes The Guardian, The New York Times and The Economist. He is the author of At This Very Moment (Cicada, 2021) and the Illustrator of Don’t Hug the Pug (Cicada, 2019).

Available to purchase online