Nail on the Head: A COVID-19 Poetry Diary

Written daily throughout the UK’s restrictions to combat coronavirus, Nail on the Head takes us from the anniversary of the first lockdown, through the easing of regulations, and up to our grand reopening on so-called ‘Freedom Day’.

Humorous, compassionate, and with a principled, political edge (and more than a passing interest in the European Football Championships, as you’d expect from the National Football Museum’s poet-in-residence), this is Paul’s fourth and concluding documentation of a nation’s resolve and wellbeing.

Illustrated by Chris Riddell OBE (Children’s Laureate / Observer), Korky Paul (Winnie and Wilbur / Sir Scallywag) and Martin Chatterton (Winter of the White Bear / Bluenoses).

A fresh collection of Cookson’s verse. If it’s laughter you’re after you could do worse. - Dr John Cooper Clarke, poet /

Pithy blinders, heartfelt and moving, marvellously inventive and original … quite brilliant. When looking at the national landscape, its wounds and doughty perseverance generated by its grief besieged citizens, Paul Cookson is their sparse voice, their collective bewilderment and courage. - Stewart Henderson, poet /

Paul Cookson is a special poet. He is a human being. Rare in this game. - Mike Garry, poet