White Eye of the Needle: A collection of poems on love, life and lockdown

White Eye of the Needle is the second collection of poems by Chris Campbell, following his book Bread Rolls and Dresden, published by The Choir Press in 2013. This collection, written over six years, looks at the riches of life, its adventures and patterns. These 25 poems are united in their aim to challenge comforts and hardships as they cover themes of love, family and hope.

Observational in tone, the poems explore connections with those around us, old and new, from loved ones to strangers who pass by. They focus on human - and sometimes animal - nature, special moments, relationships over time, and detail the strength and beauty of those ties, when so much can feel out of our hands.

The book also touches on romance, marriage, the birth of a nephew, passing of a grandad, and recent experiences through lockdown and restrictions, as it seeks to find meaning in places, at a time when we've all been forced to slow down and reflect. The collection was put together in Nottingham and includes pieces from the author's time in Bristol, London, Swansea, Glasgow and Gloucestershire, plus visits abroad including a honeymoon in Madagascar and trips to Tignes, France.

White Eye of the Needle has been illustrated by Sandra Evans, a graphic designer and illustrator in Swansea Bay, who has more than 20 years' experience in the media industry. Sandra was creative designer at the South Wales Evening Post and takes inspiration from the nature around her, with a passion for wildlife and the environment.