Falling Upwards

by Darby Hudson

Paperback
62 pp.
Published 2019, Five Island Press (University of Melbourne).


'Falling Upwards' is my debut anthology of poetry. Close to 50 poems and published by Five Island Press (University of Melbourne), 2019. Poems have previously been included in Best Australian Poems, Meanjin, Cordite, Australian Poetry Journal, Quadrant, 2nd Prize Fellowship of Australian writers QLD Literary competition, and the Newcastle Poetry Prize Anthology

"As we battle through the clutter and confusion of our lives, there are poets like Darby Hudson, gently and carefully crafting words that deeply resonate, amuse and so often help us heal from the chaos of this modern world. This collection is a sublime array of personal and melancholic observations of everyday life. In so many of these glorious little gems, he effortlessly manages to draw beauty and profundity from the minutia of daily existence. This is an enriching and balanced compendium that will make you glow, smile and at times, wallow in the soothing pleasures that melancholy can bring."
- Adam Elliot (Academy Award Winner, Harvie Krumpet)

"These are the poems of a tightrope walker who dares to look all the way down while we look up and marvel at his somersaults of perception—dizzying, tragicomic and moving."
- Paul Lynch (Winner, Irish Novelist of the Year, 2019)

"Night waking, public transport, birds, cats, shoes, watches, this is Darby Hudson, poet of otherwise lost moments, with a first collection that’s existential, sly, quick, surprising, and smart as paint."
- Lisa Gorton

Genres: Poetry

59 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2021

About the author

Writer from Melbourne, Australia.
"Darby, Love..." published by Andrews McMeel.
Previously published in Best Australian Poems.

Instagram: @darby_hudson
Substack: @darbyhudson

Reviews

[Claire Flowey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shake my head when I read Darby’s poetry... sometimes in disbelief and sometimes in tears laughing. Mostly, I’m just happy that someone can put these experiences into words so brilliantly and convey feelings that most of us would never ever think of, let alone share.

So real, so clever and so funny. I gave one as a gift so I could share the love of his work and one to keep and enjoy for myself.

[John Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darby's poetic voice and perspective are refreshingly unique. He observes the existential absurdities of life with a whimsical gaze and cheerful bleakness, finding glimmers of beauty in odd places. Gazing into the abyss has never been more enjoyable!

[Deb Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and unexpected, the daily reread and reframed. Some whimsical and some profound. Sometimes at the same time. Thoroughly enjoyed.

from Flinders Street Station

The horizon blinkered by
buildings, the city a crowded
mouth. Now I’m caught in the
the invisible current of footpath
that sweeps me by the high-vis men
who smack a jackhammer through the
music of a busking violinist who
silently curls her world up
between the concrete cracks.

from Falling Upwards

And then, by surprise, I’ll accidentally
stumble out of my body, fall
upwards into the sky
I surface above…and there I am in the
crow’s nest of the self.

Dear Diary

Today I had a lovely afternoon nap in the Melbourne cemetery.
Just practicing.

Drunk on kittens

While out all night hand-knitting
kittens, I arrive home off my face and
fumble
my key against my
pillow.

Realising it won’t unlock,
I shove my laugh open and
let my teeth carry me
to the fridge, hoping I
haven’t dropped a stitch.

Bed,Train, Desk, Train, Bed…

The act of turning up at a desk, five days a week,
followed by the arrival of money in my bank account
seem strangely disconnected.

As with birth and death - how wonderful it is to
never truly understand the
link between the two.

Decisions

I’m always just a couple of
poor decisions away from
a terrible life.

But I’m also just a
couple of poor decisions from
stumbling across the
life of my dreams.

[Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Then finally back to bed.

Time is loaded with endless night
sleep is a velvet gunshot to the head
a star splattered sky. ~ Darby Hudson

Just as well, because ”when you get older, everything takes longer except time, which passes more quickly than ever, and some things hurt that never hurt before.” ~ Geoffrey Movius

I’d give Falling Upwards infinite stars if I could 🙃✨

[Aleksander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky and very intelligent. Sharp insights on the quotidian. Makes you want to meet him and have an existential conversation.

[PS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think one of the best authors/ writers/ poets that I have read so far. Instagram is better because of his poems.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find most poetry boring and/or wanky, but not Darby's. His words touch my soul.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh so much you'll cry. You'll muse, and nod, and come away with something you didn't have before. A beautiful gift for a friend; a beautiful gift for yourself.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read to dip in and out of in a busy world. Do t miss this thought provoking and life affirming read.

[Nicholas Tamouridis Poet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of 51 poems, I tried my very best to narrow down my favourites to a top 20, and failed dismally once again. I’m moving Darby Hudson‘s wordy art, so see below for my top 21 favourites in the chronological order found within the contents!
• 100 Points Of ID to Probe I Don’t Exist
• Falling Upwards
• Broken Door
• Going Home
• Break-in
• Getting Through The Day
• Lumiere Train
• Death Of A Dragonfly
• The Cat Who Saved Me
• Love
• Seeing In The Dark
• Making Maps From Stories
• Dying Bee
• I Lost Myself
• Doors
• Time Is Always Changing The Locks
• How To Catch A Fish
• Play The Wind Of The Tree
• Fishing
• My Seagull
• Falling Awake

Share your favourites below!