Five reddish brown chickens with bright yellow feet and beaks, some pecking at the ground. The belt of Orion is visible in the early morning sky behind them.

Read one of my poems. From 'Part Five: WAVING' of #SomethingThatComesClose, my debut published collection. Available to buy in paperback from Amazon Books, and as an eBook on Kindle, Kobo or Booktopia. www.dougieherd.com/post/can-you...

Existentialism For Beginners A poem from my first book, Something That Comes Close. Illustration by Spike Deane.

Read 'Existentialism For Beginners' -- a short poem from 'Part Four: FOOLISH THINGS' of my first book #SomethingThatComesClose. www.dougieherd.com/post/existen...

Drawing of a Capercaillie, a large Grouse-like bird native to Scotland. Predominantly black feathers but with vibrant colours in some places (as described in the poem).

Read 'Capercaillie' -- a short poem from Part Three: ENCOUNTERS of my book #SomethingThatComesClose. Illustrations by Spike. On my blog here dougieherd.com/post/caperca...

Have You Not Heard? A poem from my first book, Something That Comes Close. Illustration by Spike.

Read 'Have You Not Heard?' -- a short poem from Part Two: PLACE of my book #SomethingThatComesClose. On my blog here: www.dougieherd.com/post/have-yo...

Skating With Angels A poem by Dougie Herd from his first book, Something That Comes Close.

Read 'Skating With Angels' -- a short poem from PULSE (part one of my book #SomethingThatComesClose). On my blog here: www.dougieherd.com/post/skating...

So, this greeted me today. My friend Trevor (Artistic Co-Director of Bright Umbrella Theatre Co, Belfast) received my book then sent back this message: Trevor reading the title poem of the book, #SomethingThatComesClose (On Amazon & Kobo). I am as happy as the proverbial ...

Dougie, in wheelchair, in front of a hedge behind which the National Library of Australia building sits in the mid-distance against a blue sky with light clouds.

Paperback book cover (Blue with words Something That Comes Close: Poems by Dougie Herd) rests on top of a yellow A4 form showing words National Library of Australis -- Legal deposit slip)

First-time author Irrationally happy realising his poetry book will enter catalogue of National Library of Australia (forever). Available to buy on Amazon or Kobo. If you have it, thank you. If you like it please rate/review it to keep our book in sight of Amazon algorithm!! #SomethingThatComesClose

Blue, textured front cover of 'Something That Comes Close Poems by Dougie Herd'; my first published book photographed against someone's red tablecloth.

Blue, textured front cover of 'Something That Comes Close Poems by Dougie Herd'; my first published book photographed one someone's desk in an office.

Blue, textured front cover of 'Something That Comes Close Poems by Dougie Herd'; my first published book photographed on someone's square, latticed coffee table in a house.

Blue, textured front cover of 'Something That Comes Close Poems by Dougie Herd'; my first published book photographed held in someone' left hand against an orange background.

In the week since I published my first poetry book people have been posting photos after it arrives in the mail. Thank you. Here's 4 (2 in Aus, 2 in UK). To buy eBook or paperback go to #Amazon or #Kobo. #SomethingThatComesClose #Poetry

Success is a relative notion I am pleased that I wrote and published a book of poems. I like what I've written. I hope people will buy my book.

More ruminations on becoming a first-time published poet. #SomethingThatComesClose www.dougieherd.com/post/success...

This confirms that algorithms are bullshit. According to Amazon's Bestseller British & Irish poetry my first poetry collection is outselling Shakespeare & is just behind Milton. But my new book IS real. You can buy it as paperback, or for Kindle or Kobo. #SomethingThatComesClose #TopThree