In Pursuit of Expression

by Martin Appleby

This collection brings together all of Martin Appleby's small press poetry publications that were released between 2016 and 2024. From the early musings of his 20s to staring down the barrel of 40, and all the heartbreak, hangovers, and bad decisions he has made along the way.

These poems are full of heart, hope, and unguarded honesty. They will make you laugh and they will make you cry. A journey through the highs and lows of modern life through the eyes of a cider drinking, vegetarian, scumbag punk!



I first encountered Martin Appleby's poetry many, many years ago and I've followed his work closely ever since. What I like about Martin's poetry is that it is brutally honest, and funny. There is humour there, which most poets lack because they don't possess a funny bone. He writes about the mundane, the everyday, relationship break-ups, crap jobs, noisy neighbours, black-outs, and failure. Advertisements from the Edge of Hell. There is an air of resignation lurking amidst his stanzas, the awful reality that most people sacrifice their dreams and settle for a safe, but mediocre existence. Empty lives. Some fill this void by buying stuff, raising children, or becoming resolutely ambitious. Martin fills his void with poetry, which when you think about it, is a wondrous concept. In Pursuit of Expression is the collected work of Martin's poetical output, spanning the years 2016 - 2024, and I can guarantee that after reading it, you will feel a whole lot better. 

- Joseph Ridgwell (Author of Burrito Deluxe)

Genres: Poetry

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

About the author

Writer, poet, punk.

Editor of PAPER AND INK LITERARY ZINE.

Reviews

[Casey Kiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phrases that come to mind when reading Appleby's collective work here: relatable af, no bullshit, no filter, facts, what is simple is true, and in general, downhome punk rock. I say the latter because Martin is very openly blunt on his reflection of varying relationships. I love reading his intimate subtle gut-punching humor in snapshots of poetry because relationships are so fucking complicated, man. And his writing always shines a stark simplicity for me, reminding that we all go through the a lot of the same things in time, in our own strange ways. Our stories are dying to to be told so we can all bleed together and connect. I dunno, I guess we are all at different stages of listening. I'm getting to the part of my life when I truly enjoy listening; when someone has the grit to tell it like it is and get to the point.
This collection is put together so very well and is an easily enjoyable read. I own a few of Appleby's works and will be searching out the rest now. I recommend this book highlighting some cider-splattered gems by this defiantly down-to-earth indie punk poet. Martin writes real shit. For real people. And everyone else can go fvck themselves. Cheers!


My personal favorites: 'Don't You Miss Bacon', 'Poetry Is Hard With Kittens', 'Worse Things Happen At Sea', 'Everything', 'The Gossip And The Drunk', 'Bukowski On Love' [LOL], 'Why Would You Like To Work For Our Company', 'PROS AND CONS', Not Enough Hours In The Day', 'First World Problems I & II' [LMAO], 'Feeling Personally Attacked When People Mispronounce Zine', 'PUNK CROC', 'Watery Love', 'Small Talk', 'In Pursuit Of Expression' and 'Poetry Is Dead'.

[Dario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncompromising, raw, and genuine. Appleby tells it like it is. You may not like everything he tells you about love, life, and human condition, but he gives you a hug while doing it, and oftentimes softens the blow by cracking a really good joke. His language is vulnerable, and it is that very vulnerability that allows his truth to come out so clearly and, most importantly – so honestly. The way this modern poet talks about truth is beautiful, even when the truth he talks about is ugly. Reading this collection feels like drinking with your friends at your local pub on a Friday night and having a great time. The conversations cut deep and you learn something new about each other and about yourself. You will remember it, and you will talk about it over and over again. This much needed retrospective collection is a quintessential punk rock album in a book form. Oi!

[Koushik Banerjea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book on the strength of work I've previously read by the author which has featured in various small presses. And it doesn't disappoint. Great writing, full of heart, wit, and shot through with that mixture of playfulness and melancholy that can only really come from a life fully lived in all its absurdities. Vignettes of small town life knock heads with tap room philosophy and the end results are brilliant. Buy this book, and then buy everything else this fella's done. Otherwise you'll just spend the money on some shite you didn't actually need, whereas this...
Top drawer.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book collecting all of Martin's poetry chapbooks.

[Keiron · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book of poetry by Martin. short, succinct, humorous and often grimy. Like a modern-day Bukowski with a punk twist. Recommended.