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poyums
And I have done more than just simply get by
So much more than escape or survive
Through the galvanisation of love, time and patience
I’ll take hold of my story and thrive.
After life that was seldom what life ought to be
Through laughter and love I’ll be whole
This story is mine from the cover to spine
And the narrative I will control
Whether she’s writing letters to her younger self, advocating for women’s rights or adapting fairy tales to process an abusive relationship, Len’s voice is bold, unashamedly frank and unmistakably hers.
The poems in this collection, both funny and fiercely feminist, announce a formidable new talent. Moving deftly between English and Scots, poyums is as approachable as it is affecting.
So much more than escape or survive
Through the galvanisation of love, time and patience
I’ll take hold of my story and thrive.
After life that was seldom what life ought to be
Through laughter and love I’ll be whole
This story is mine from the cover to spine
And the narrative I will control
Whether she’s writing letters to her younger self, advocating for women’s rights or adapting fairy tales to process an abusive relationship, Len’s voice is bold, unashamedly frank and unmistakably hers.
The poems in this collection, both funny and fiercely feminist, announce a formidable new talent. Moving deftly between English and Scots, poyums is as approachable as it is affecting.
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2024
293 people are currently reading
1284 people want to read
About the author
Len Pennie
6 books128 followersLen Pennie is a Scottish poet and Scots language and mental health advocate. She became known on social media in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland for her "Scots word of the day" and poem (Scots: poyum) videos. As of January 2024, her Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok accounts collectively number over 1.2 million followers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
February 23, 2024
Top tip, don't listen to this book of poyums if you're working on an embroidery project using water soluble stabiliser.... It won't end well. Ask me how I know. I listened to the audiobook version which I pre-ordered a while ago and was pleasantly surprised to have finally dropped. These poems were so moving and I feel that if you don't understand these poems then lucky you, because you're in a subset of the population who has never been impacted by the issues that women face and that Len writes about. For those of us who do understand, intimately, the poems put into words things some of us cannot eloquently wrap our heads around. I got half way through reading this and immediately ordered a paper copy because I feel like this is a collection of poems that could be studied in schools. And I wanted to own a physical copy so that I always had access to read these again and again! As for the audiobook version, it is an amazing performance of the poems and every word spoken feels as though they were as I imagine they were written. I really hope Len Pennie gets the recognition she deserves in the future. I truly believe she could be poet laureate one day.
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March 21, 2024Scottish poet Len Pennie has cultivated a positive and educational social media platform over the past few years, teaching the world about the wonders of the Scots language. Now, she turns her talents of linguistics and self-expression to poetry, and what a result Poyums is!
This dense collection of poetry, many of which are written in Scots, is dark, evocative, and inspiring. Pennie writes with clarity, generally eschewing metaphor for frankness. She leans into hefty rhythm and lilting rhyme, and her messages are often of anger towards patriarchy, male violence, and other injustices of sex and sexism.
She speaks from observation and experience, making these honest, heart-on-sleeve works of pain and sympathy. They are not easy reads, but they are real and raw and powerful.
The use of Scots also adds an even deeper layer of honesty, with Pennie expressing herself in the language of her heart (and it has the bonus effect for non-Scots speakers to learn and enjoy the language through artistic expression).
This dense collection of poetry, many of which are written in Scots, is dark, evocative, and inspiring. Pennie writes with clarity, generally eschewing metaphor for frankness. She leans into hefty rhythm and lilting rhyme, and her messages are often of anger towards patriarchy, male violence, and other injustices of sex and sexism.
She speaks from observation and experience, making these honest, heart-on-sleeve works of pain and sympathy. They are not easy reads, but they are real and raw and powerful.
The use of Scots also adds an even deeper layer of honesty, with Pennie expressing herself in the language of her heart (and it has the bonus effect for non-Scots speakers to learn and enjoy the language through artistic expression).
December 1, 2025
'My future is constantly grieving because
there are flies on the corpse of the person I was'
A collection of sixty four powerful poems, many written in the Scots language.
What makes Poyums even more special is the introduction and interview with the writer. The introduction is a frank and authentic jaunt into the energy and pain that it took to write these poems.
The interview gives further context - about Pennie's love of the Scot language, about the emotional upheaval and bravery in writing these words.
Words about:
Inequality, abuse, invisibility, masculinity, overthinking, mental exhaustion, independence, control, overwhelm, stereotyping, love, hate, marginalisation, spite...
there are flies on the corpse of the person I was'
A collection of sixty four powerful poems, many written in the Scots language.
What makes Poyums even more special is the introduction and interview with the writer. The introduction is a frank and authentic jaunt into the energy and pain that it took to write these poems.
The interview gives further context - about Pennie's love of the Scot language, about the emotional upheaval and bravery in writing these words.
Words about:
Inequality, abuse, invisibility, masculinity, overthinking, mental exhaustion, independence, control, overwhelm, stereotyping, love, hate, marginalisation, spite...
February 23, 2024
Len Pennie runs Scots Word of the Day on Instagram and this was where I learned of her book. She has dedicated her public persona to educating people on the Scots language by introducing one word each day. Given the historic colonialism that took place in Scotland, with the English doing their damnedest to wipe out the language, much as they did everywhere else they took over, this is itself an important and compelling work. So I bought her audiobook as soon as it came out. "Poyums", as you might guess, is the Scots word for poems. The poems are a mix of English and Scots but no fear, if you don't speak Scots (I don't) you will still be able to follow.
These poems are not generally happy. Len notes in the introduction that while she wishes the poems could be more happy, but then she also wishes the living that led to writing them could have been more happy. Going in, one should be aware much of the poems address the experience of sexual harassment and assault. Her rage and hurt and sorrow come through loud and clear, expressed well in both English and Scots. It is a sorrowful and angering thing to contemplate. But for that reason it is important even, maybe even especially, for men. If we're ever going to have the kind of world where these type of poems don't need to be written, we are going to have to listen to the folks this kind of world is currently harming. Whether that's male mistreatment of women or dominant ethnic/language groups over minorities, the ones in power need to stop and observe what they have wrought and even those of us not in power need to acknowledge what has been done by those who look like us and stand in solidarity with the marginalized and powerless. This book sends a much needed message.
These poems are not generally happy. Len notes in the introduction that while she wishes the poems could be more happy, but then she also wishes the living that led to writing them could have been more happy. Going in, one should be aware much of the poems address the experience of sexual harassment and assault. Her rage and hurt and sorrow come through loud and clear, expressed well in both English and Scots. It is a sorrowful and angering thing to contemplate. But for that reason it is important even, maybe even especially, for men. If we're ever going to have the kind of world where these type of poems don't need to be written, we are going to have to listen to the folks this kind of world is currently harming. Whether that's male mistreatment of women or dominant ethnic/language groups over minorities, the ones in power need to stop and observe what they have wrought and even those of us not in power need to acknowledge what has been done by those who look like us and stand in solidarity with the marginalized and powerless. This book sends a much needed message.
February 23, 2024
I read the book while listening to the audio book performed by the author which is absolutely the way to go (and also makes the Scots poyums easier to understand for those of us with no guid Scots tongue in our heids). How can you write poems so raw and refined at the same time?
I am 10 years older than you, Len. I hope I’ll get to read and listen to your voice when you’re my age (and every other age).
‘So, A’ll see yous aw next year; A promise yous this, just the same way as day follaes night, we’ll see yin another, jist twa broukit bairns, held thegither wae duct tape an spite.’
I am 10 years older than you, Len. I hope I’ll get to read and listen to your voice when you’re my age (and every other age).
‘So, A’ll see yous aw next year; A promise yous this, just the same way as day follaes night, we’ll see yin another, jist twa broukit bairns, held thegither wae duct tape an spite.’
March 12, 2024
Len Pennie, I hope that I cried more in reading this than you did in writing it, because I feel like I cried enough.
This collection of poems is beautiful and I really don’t think I can capture in a review my feelings. All I can do is recommend it, especially to those who are women, to those who are feminists, to those who struggle with mental health, to those who are survivors of domestic violence. If you fall within any of those categories, you will surely find plenty of poems that resonate with you within this book.
As Pennie points out, the poems are clearly motivated by spite, but what I most appreciate are the notes of hope and strength that these poems typically end on.
I loved how Pennie incorporates the Scots language into the poems, especially because she is so skillful with it. It is still widely comprehensible to an English-speaking reader because of how repetitive she is with the language across the poems so you get to recognize the meaning across multiple contexts. It’s almost like she’s a linguist and knows what she’s doing with it (wink, wink).
For those that still might be hesitant because of the Scots, I’d recommend reading the poems out loud. Or better yet, do what I did halfway through the book and read the physical book while you listen along with the audiobook.
This collection of poems is beautiful and I really don’t think I can capture in a review my feelings. All I can do is recommend it, especially to those who are women, to those who are feminists, to those who struggle with mental health, to those who are survivors of domestic violence. If you fall within any of those categories, you will surely find plenty of poems that resonate with you within this book.
As Pennie points out, the poems are clearly motivated by spite, but what I most appreciate are the notes of hope and strength that these poems typically end on.
I loved how Pennie incorporates the Scots language into the poems, especially because she is so skillful with it. It is still widely comprehensible to an English-speaking reader because of how repetitive she is with the language across the poems so you get to recognize the meaning across multiple contexts. It’s almost like she’s a linguist and knows what she’s doing with it (wink, wink).
For those that still might be hesitant because of the Scots, I’d recommend reading the poems out loud. Or better yet, do what I did halfway through the book and read the physical book while you listen along with the audiobook.
January 9, 2025
Like my mother before me, I was brought up being told to always speak ‘proper English’ - say ‘yes’ instead of ‘aye’, ‘baby’ not ‘bairn’, pronounce all my letters… The only place for Scots language was January 25th and December 31st. It’s so healing to see the language that was beaten out of my grandparents on the page in front of me, and to see it being recognised and enjoyed for what it is: a beautiful means of expression for a long oppressed people. I’m very proud to be Scottish (not that this is a shock to anyone).
February 17, 2025
I’ve read a number of poetry collections over the years and this is by far the best. Beautiful descriptions and provoking observations, which the reader can actually understand, and therefore, connect with (I often find poetry elitist or abstract, defeating its purpose in my view). This work contains a lot of heavy subject matter, so best to read it when your mind is in a good space 💜
November 5, 2025
would’ve been 5 stars if i wasn’t so dyslexic
March 29, 2024
Beautiful. I recommend the audio so you can hear the passion and emotion in her beautiful Scottish accent.
August 11, 2024
Stop screaming. Sheesh!
January 3, 2025
Very on the nose and repetative with its images, meter, and writing on basic, generic ideas
August 1, 2025
I've been following Len Pennie on Instagram for a few years now. I'm not sure if I encountered the Scots word of the day or her her poetry first, but I've enjoyed both immensely.
I finally treated myself and purchased her first book and was absolutely thrilled to read through it today for the first day of The Sealey Challenge.
Poyums does not disappoint. Len Pennie tackles difficult and often heavy subject matter with the proper reverence and an added dose of humor and deeply felt emotion. She is fast becoming one of my favorite poets! I can't wait to get myself her second book.
I finally treated myself and purchased her first book and was absolutely thrilled to read through it today for the first day of The Sealey Challenge.
Poyums does not disappoint. Len Pennie tackles difficult and often heavy subject matter with the proper reverence and an added dose of humor and deeply felt emotion. She is fast becoming one of my favorite poets! I can't wait to get myself her second book.
February 25, 2024
Such a joy to read. I would recommend the audio version. The author doesn’t just read the book. No, she performs each poem spectacularly!! Almost as good as a live poetry reading. The rhyme scheme gives the words a song-song quality that is stark contrast to the subject matter. I was impressed with her witty approach to many of the pieces that in no way took away from the seriousness of the poem. 10/10 would recommend. It definitely left me wanting more.
January 12, 2025
I can't believe I'm saying this because I am not a poetry fan at all but I loved this and I'd definitely buy it (I read it through Borrow Box now at a friend's recommendation).
June 15, 2024
Critical Score: 5
Personal Score: 5
Total Score: 10
Why doesn't the physical edition have a listing?? Read ISBN 9781805301387.
Personal Score: 5
Total Score: 10
Why doesn't the physical edition have a listing?? Read ISBN 9781805301387.
February 23, 2024
Early contender for my Book of 2024 - which it's probably worth noting means it's ahead of Tolstoy, Le Carre, Dawkins and Mary Shelley. Pain, humour, wit, feminism, more pain, beautifully spun-together spiderweb sentences of power and life. Get it. For absolute preference, get it on audio, cos it hits different in Len's own voice than it does in the pieced-together reading your brain'll attempt.
July 10, 2024
Absolutely brilliant poetry by Len Pennie. It is equal parts funny, heartbreaking and beautifully written. The no bullshit, fiercely feminist attitude and the excellent delivery (in the audiobook) only strengthens all of these aspects. The mix of Scots and English poems also works really well. Some uniquely Scots words sound familiar to Dutch ears, which make some of the Scots poems extra delightful for me.
March 1, 2024
I have no idea what the word is for a book that rips you to tiny pieces, but you love every minute of it. Whatever that word is, that’s this book.
Len Pennie is the poet for people who love rich, dark, moody poems that stay with you. I’m not typically a poetry fan by god she’s made me a believer.
Len Pennie is the poet for people who love rich, dark, moody poems that stay with you. I’m not typically a poetry fan by god she’s made me a believer.
April 11, 2024
This was going to be a five because holy hell this woman has passion and fire. However, reading all of the poems back to back reveals that the majority of them are so similar I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. They are all amazing, painful, angry, and soulful but remarkably the same. I was surprised that the rhyming didn't bother me, usually it does but this was fun and smartly done
March 8, 2025
Glædelig Kvindernes Internationale Kampdag!
Er der en bedre dag at færdiggøre en feministisk skotsk digtsamling?
“A Pygmalion myth chased by those who can’t stand. The thought of a woman not forged by their hand, That cements the idea that society chooses The men to be artists, and women their muses. So, make peace with frustrating, perpetual pain; They will sculpt you a mirror, then label you vain.”
“An there’s damn aw tae dae cause the people that should Fix the problems they caused have decided they would Rather sit oan their erses, an pat their ain backs, But their regime ae power is showin its cracks, An if they arenae careful we’ll ask wan day soon, Whit’s a bodie tae dae except burn this shite doon.”
“And as tears dry and blood drips and bruises begin, It’s a game we don’t enter and never can win. Thank fuck it’s the truth that it’s some and not all, And again ‘not all men’ comes the rallying call, And we waste yet more time to refute points unsaid, But that won’t bring us back from the brink, or the dead”
Er der en bedre dag at færdiggøre en feministisk skotsk digtsamling?
“A Pygmalion myth chased by those who can’t stand. The thought of a woman not forged by their hand, That cements the idea that society chooses The men to be artists, and women their muses. So, make peace with frustrating, perpetual pain; They will sculpt you a mirror, then label you vain.”
“An there’s damn aw tae dae cause the people that should Fix the problems they caused have decided they would Rather sit oan their erses, an pat their ain backs, But their regime ae power is showin its cracks, An if they arenae careful we’ll ask wan day soon, Whit’s a bodie tae dae except burn this shite doon.”
“And as tears dry and blood drips and bruises begin, It’s a game we don’t enter and never can win. Thank fuck it’s the truth that it’s some and not all, And again ‘not all men’ comes the rallying call, And we waste yet more time to refute points unsaid, But that won’t bring us back from the brink, or the dead”
December 28, 2024
This is such a raw, honest and emotional anthology of poems that serve as a big F*@K YOU to the patriarchy! It explores topics such as abuse, sexism, mental health, the double standards of society and other social issues. Sometimes angry and spiteful, other times vulnerable and painful (with enough wit and humour for some levity), these poems deal with subject matters that I'm sure every woman can relate to.
I will admit that the Scots language in some of the poems took some getting used to. That shouldn't deter you from reading them though. Len Pennie writes in a way that an English speaker can phonetically understand. In retrospect, reading along with the audiobook would've probably made the reading experience ten times better. Would 100% recommend that everyone reads this collection!
I will admit that the Scots language in some of the poems took some getting used to. That shouldn't deter you from reading them though. Len Pennie writes in a way that an English speaker can phonetically understand. In retrospect, reading along with the audiobook would've probably made the reading experience ten times better. Would 100% recommend that everyone reads this collection!
August 21, 2025
There are a couple of really wonderful poems in here, but I feel like the collection was in dire need of a stronger editor to help curate the poems. It’s a fairly long book for a poetry collection, and although the themes are important their power is diluted by the repetitiveness of the topics, metaphors, and even in some cases the turns of phrase. I was also frustrated by the reliance on rhyming couplets and quatrains — a lot of the poems don’t scan well because of uneven or awkwardly-shifted syntax to force a rhyme into place. A more diverse variety of rhyme schemes and poem styles might have made the collection feel less repetitive while also offering more freedom rather than trapping the word choice and syntax with the need for a rhyme. The best poems were probably the ones in Scots, just because they were the most interestingly different.
May 30, 2024
I don’t recall how, but I came across Len Pennie on Instagram. She teaches a “Scots Word of the Day” via reels and she is funny and bold and I love her. She also occasionally performs her poetry and I was very excited when she announced she was publishing a book! This volume is a mix of poems in Scots and English, and while much of the subject matter is hefty, her perspective is a treasure.
April 5, 2024
an intensely personal and emotional collection.
Its been a long time since I've read a collection of poems that pretty much all rhyme. I enjoyed it though there were a couple here and there that felt a bit teen-angsty.
Overall though, good collection. Really liked those that were in Scots.
Its been a long time since I've read a collection of poems that pretty much all rhyme. I enjoyed it though there were a couple here and there that felt a bit teen-angsty.
Overall though, good collection. Really liked those that were in Scots.
May 14, 2024
Wow! I loved the content, the style, the humor, the darkness, everything. Len Pennie weaves words in a way I haven’t read or felt before.
Favorites:
The Dragon
Not All Men
Love and hate
Too Much
The Mother
Tech Support
Boys Will be Boys
Bon Appetit
PS, I listened to the audio book while following along with a physical copy, very enjoyable, would recommend.
Favorites:
The Dragon
Not All Men
Love and hate
Too Much
The Mother
Tech Support
Boys Will be Boys
Bon Appetit
PS, I listened to the audio book while following along with a physical copy, very enjoyable, would recommend.
October 14, 2024
Another 4.5 stars!
I absolutely loved the exposure to the Scots language through this collection of poetry. The poems are beautiful, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. Loved this collection and love supporting debut authors/poets!
I absolutely loved the exposure to the Scots language through this collection of poetry. The poems are beautiful, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. Loved this collection and love supporting debut authors/poets!
March 1, 2025
If not, the best poetry book I’ve read in a long while! Such anger such pain. Len knows how to use her words. I’ve got 95% bookmarked and underlined that’s how much I resonated. Recommending this to anyone wanting to get more into feminist literature. Who need to find a way to feel related to within their rage. This book. This book above all.
May 20, 2025
This book of poyums explores some difficult topics, but I found it to be an uplifting, strong, feminine, inspiring, and beautiful collection of poetry. I also loved the challenge of the Scots poyums and learning the rhythms of another language.
March 5, 2024
Beautiful is the only word I can think of. They put the emotions that you can't describe into a lyrical, haunting, yet beautiful poem. I love that she's giving Scots it's voice back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews