Sometimes a Wild God - the book

Someone had posted this on Facebook. I felt strangely moved by it, and wanted a copy for myself. Am still moved when I re-read it. Thank you

A lovely little gift for myself.

I bought my books as presents for two very good friends, who I know love the poem Sometimes A Wild God. Both my friends both love the natural world, live very much immersed in it, and one of them in particular spends most of his time fighting to protect our wildlife and our planet. Sometimes a Wild God is a fantastic little touchstone book, beautifully illustrated. I know my friends will treasure it.

Oh My this poetry -- 'Sometimes a Wild God' - surges through me. I feel the visions as if happening to me, as if some wild godness attaches onto me. Adding to my pleasure is the tasty booklet packaging the words and illustrations. Artisanship and Artistry making Beauty -- and Wildness. I'm grateful.

A friend in the USA posted the poem When A Wild God on her Facebook page. I struck a real chord with me especially as I recently had a fox visit my house for several weeks, sleeping there at night, making a mess everywhere and generally taking over our lives. She was ill and we cured her. She left on New Year's Day and we miss her - even writing this leaves a pang in my heart. Life was not easy with her around but it was special. Now a hedgehog has suddenly appeared in our lives. All this is strange because we live in a town on the outskirts of London but wildlife is everywhere..if you look. So this poem had a real emotional effect on me. It can also be read on many different levels. As a personal project I illustrated a poem by Ferenc Juhasz called 'The Boy Changed into a Stag Clamours at the Gate of Secrets'. Wild God reminds me of it. I found Tom's website and ordered the booklet and poster. They are precious and I love the artwork. I mentioned Tom to some of my friends and realise I found him late - they all knew of him. But better late than never. I look forward to reading more of his works one day.

Tom's piece of writing is a great experience for people who are trying to come to grips with a new approach to reality and the narratives in which we roam. I believe that both Tom's books and Rima's paintings address the fact that we are inseparate from the universe and that our being partakes in the being of everyone and everything else. Realizing that our very being is relational helps to imagine a more beautiful world which we know is possible. Tom and Rima, thank you for turning to literature and paintings to express yourself, since your message goes beyond the wor(l)ds that both of you depict.

Bought this last year as a birthday gift for a friend. I loved it so much that I decided to get a copy for myself. As a deeply intuitive woman I appreciate a masculine perspective. There's something raw about Toms writing - I recognised the Wild God - I think he has paid me a visit from time to time!

Love this little book ... not so little the tale!

Love this book, and it arrived nice and quickly

Love it! It is so nice when something strikes you so strongly on a visceral level, to have such an inexpensive and fun way to share it with people you know will love it, also.

I bought some extra copies so I can give it to friends and family. So love it. So grateful.

The first time I read this poem byTom Hirons, I knew I had to have it. The story reminds me: judgments may hinder exploration, whereas humor and whimsy may serve as allies. I carry it with me now, so I can read it anytime I feel like I'm hitting a wall!

The book is stunning and to be read slowly on a quiet night with a cup of tea or just before taking a nap or in the middle of a crowd of people. It will transport you to a time when feathers can grow from your face and you don't know how to use a fork. Note - Hedgepress is a fantastic company to work with. It seemed my order got lost in the mail and they sent another one out right away. Lovely folks. Support art!

I recently gifted myself with this mystical treasure of a poem by Tom Hirons, writer and storyteller. And my physical reaction as I read it.... so powerfully enchanting, eye opening and for me, true. What a gift to have discovered these words from such a talented writer. The cover illustration is by his talented wife Rima Staines.

Spotted this poem on someone’s table. It sparked my interest. Logged the title and searched for it online when I got home. Read it online then bought one for me, one for a friend. Love it and have shared far and wide. Thank you :)

Is there such a thing as a staple poem? If so, this is mine. I have gifted this to many of my friends, and I'm lucky enough to own both the old and the new version myself (different front covers). Such a tiny book with such great wisdom and mysteries. I woul LOVE to be able to purchase the illustrations for the poem! All of them, including the bear!

Beautiful And thought provoking, perfect for the pocket.

i ordered this between christmas and new year and I think the order got lost. I sent a reminder or a query ...where is my little book.....? then received it the next day. A ord of apology or explanation would have been great! However...love the style of the little book and the poetry and everything...just needed that personal touch with regards delay on delivery.

A friend leant me this book when I had been experiencing crisis after crisis and it felt like the deepest empathy I have experienced in a long while. I cried, re-read it a few times, hugged it and ordered it as a poster along with several other books by Tom Hirons which have proved to be worth far more to me than their small price tag would've suggested. I feel lucky to have found hedgespoken press and will cherish these forever. Thank you.

Utterly beautiful poem. I bought 2 copies; one to tear out the pages and hang them up from a piece of gathered wood in celebration of my own wild god who has come a calling. The other book I keep to read to visitors . Thank you

My favourite Poem..now also as a poster! yeah!

Amazing thought provoking poem, was so moved by it ❤️

Every time I read Tom's poem I weep. Not in a horrible way but just because of the touch of sadness for the Wild lost in today's world. To hold this brilliant, soul stirring booklet, to gaze on the perfectly descriptive cover image is just so satisfyingly magical. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts.

I loved the poem and read it to a friend in Australia. She was so moved by it that I bought the book and sent it to her for her birthday. She was delighted - and a bit teary - to receive it, along with the cute little cards that came with it. A very special poem and a lovely gift. Thank you .

I had previously bought first edition copies of Hedgespoken's Sometimes A Wild God by Tom Hirons to to give away to some of the people who are important to me. This chapbook edition, with a lovely cover and inner artwork by Rima Staines, is for me. It sits on my desk. I like glancing across to the cover when I need reminding to lift my head. Sometimes I read the poem aloud. I feel better. Buy this poem, it's worth it.

I've given this to friends in the past... this copy is for me :)

I love the words in this book. There is wisdom here and darkness. 'Why did you leave me to die?' Asks the wild god and you say: 'I was busy surviving. The shops were all closed; I didn't know how. I'm sorry' Things we forget are reminded - the importance of what's real. And the cover art is the perfect image. I love Rima's imagination and work.

I love the visual imagary that this little powerfull book counjours up for me. Heres to letting the wild side in and all of our natures.

Great little book!! I love the illustrations.

This poem is fantastic - so much intense expression in such a small book. I look forward to reading more from you.

Have coveted this little gem since a friend shared it years ago! Now I have my own to treasure and memorize and display with the really important books that I hoard. ( Former library worker, not an excuse-- just to let you know why I say hoard ;-) ). Well worth the wait ( my decision to wait, not a problem with a wait from jolly olde far away that homes your enterprise ! ) and the three artwork bookmarks by Rima have already found new homes. Thanks you two, for doing what you do !!!

Powerful - evocative - ancient echoes of the wild archetype

This a beautifully presented and exquisite poem that resonated with something deep within my soul and brought tears to my eyes. It is a truly special gift for someone you love, or for someone you don't, or for yourself. <3

A beautifully made and beautifully written praise song to wildness. I've bought four as gifts for others. Really impressed by the quality of the paper and the finish, and the words just sing themselves off the page. Well Done Hedgespoken!

Excellent work out out by excellent people. Prompt, professional, and communicative about the order.

My art is of nature and the words and imagery of the Hedgespoken creators makes my heart sing and my mind brim with imagery. These folks are kindred spirit and working as healers in this world. I treasure knowing of them and am buying everything they have a part in. My world is made more rich by this art and wordplay. Colleen Carroll

Perfect reminder when you’re feeling bogged down by the every day. A work of art .•*

Such a powerful, evocative story, each time I read this I am moved, each time, a testament to the rawness and the ability to connect with that which often lives beneath a sometimes heavy veil, thank you for this little piece of wild.

Hello Both I will do a large proper Twitter/Instagram review of your book...which is absolutely extraordinary! But I am giving it as a gift to two friends who I am working on a writing project with on 19th November and so I need to keep it quiet until then. I will be in touch. I look forward to ordering more copies and also expoloring you other publications. All best Jo Sweeting Instagram thestonecarver and foundle.project

Intriguing, thought provoking elemental poem with lovely artwork printed in a beautiful little book.

Fabulous ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This beautiful and unique little book is currently sitting on my altar to the Horned One. I'm waiting for the weather to cool down so I can read it to my children around the fire.

One of my favourites - a poem to read and reread. It has the marvellous quality of fairytale, with the dark undertow of old knowledge. It's disturbing and life affirming at the same time. Love it!

Beautifully written and a joy to read!

I read "Sometime a Wild God" online a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. I found the website and ordered a copy. It arrived in the mail yesterday and I couldn;t be happier. What a beautiful little book. Such exquisite words. I will likely order a few more as gifts for people that I love.

Absolutely beautiful poem, in a beautiful binding. Deep exploration natural and spiritual transformation, and will be treasured for life.

"Wild God" is a tremendously beautiful and strong piece of writing. It inspires one to go deep into the self to see what's there and why this writing resonates so, why it stirs, what is it talking to, within our own heart. ~ Thank you

I adore this! Sometimes a Wild God speaks powerfully a message that we desparately need in our times. During some of my worst episodes of 'climate anxiety' I feel the poem speaking words of healing directly to my soul. Thank-you Tom Hirons for creating it

I bought 3! Hoping to give the gift of WILD to a few people and remind them about the snakes in their arms :)

I am just in love with this little book! I'm planning on buy a few for friends that I know will love also!

This publication is a little gem to be treasured for a life time.

I first fell in love with this poem on Facebook. I had to have a hard copy for myself. The format is lovely & it's small enough to tuck into my leg bag when I go out into the woods, where I can sit intoxicated by the words with the birds singing in the background ! I was thrilled to receive my copy but was absolutely tickled pink to see that I was #100 of the first run of this second edition & it was signed by Tom. Thank you soooo much - I really love it.

I have loved this poem since I first read it online - it makes me cry every single time I read it: it evokes so much longing and emotion. I already had the wonderful A3 poster version - and now I have this heart-sized gem of a book to carry with me. Thank you. Thank you for the words that resonate deep within me.

Wonderful words and a fantastic cover illustration. Thank you so much!

Wonderful book received recently from Hedgespoken - great quality and very reasonably priced gift that I am excited to give! Hedgespoken were great about keeping me in touch with dispatch information and overall I'm really pleased with the service and the book

Beautiful edition of this rich and moving poem. Wonderful.

As always, as advertised (delightful chap book!) and prompt shipment, as well as good communication about publication and shipping timing. Yay!

I love this poem so much. The beautiful little booklet is pocket sized and perfect. I just brought 5 copies, one for each of my rewilding apprentices, as a parting gift after our time working together.

Love love love this poem and book. Will buy more in the future to gift to friends!

Love love loving my poem with its wonderful illustrations, thank you! Siobhan

Tom i so so love this little book. Ive given it to frienfs to read and they try and fine alagories and metaphors and god knows what when i rekon its not a work to worry over. Just to read and be delighted cos thats what it does to me. Im gonna take it to worm (a large prison) im gonna read it to the men in chapel. I know they will laugh be delighted, wonder, and be a bit scared. I think it will become a regular requested poem. Thanks Tom

This is the one that started it all. Originally found for a friend who needed to acknowledge, or at least understand his own beast and recognize the vast hemorrhage in and at his side. I think the words changed him, though I can't speak to how. I know the gift of this book has stayed near the wound and its bear ever since. I decided I had to have a copy in our own household as a reminder.

This poem really touched something in me, some deep longing for our wild nature. The book is beautifully designed, and a perfect way to keep coming back to the poem.

I love this poem so much I bought four more copies of the book for my wild goddess friends.

A beautiful book to hold and savour. A treasure.

Thank you for turning this into a book. Extremely happy to support Tom Hirons and his wonderful poem, which had a huge impact when I first read it, and still does every time I read it. The art is wonderful as well.

I've loved this poem since I first saw it somewhere on the Internet, and of course I'm a big fan of Rima's art as well! I finally broke down and bought a copy, and it now has a place of honor on my theology shelf, next to a collection of new hymns to the Olympian Gods from the 1930s.

Wonderful!

A treat! And Hodge enjoyed it too.

This book was introduced to me by a dear friend. I fell in love. I have read it over and over and in quiet moments it is a great source of pleasure. It is wise and thought/soul-provoking and also instructional in the sweetest way possible. Thank you so much.

Love the poem. We have recited it in ritual. What a great image you create of the Wild God and the relationship to the man. Thank you

Fantastic, beautifully produced, moving book. Highly recommended.

I adore this poem! Every time I read it, I see something new. I'm embarrassed to share that I'm not that into poetry, I tend to be a more literal person but, this poem speaks to the hidden, wild part of me. I can feel the words and their power. I don't know why but, it actually makes me cry! Thank you so much for writing this

Sorry, don't have a smart phone so no photo! I know....some people are a bit behind! I love this little book, it felt like Christmas when it plopped through my door. I have it here and I really like the feel of the paper. I took it to my writing group and when I passed it around people oohed and aahed over the drawings. I have just re-read it, and I want to read it to the group if there's time this Saturday. I will be ordering more...just low on cash at the moment. I did write about our group's intention to have a festival of words and writing this September, wondering if you might agree to be involved, and asking how much you would charge if you were free, l treasure.but don't know if you ever got the email. I'm not sure which one to use, think it was the official one for bookings. Thank you for making such lovely things as this little book, which I shall treasure.

Someday I might be able to explain the tears in my eyes and the ache in my throat. Maybe I shouldn't try. I think I'll just read it again and again.

I'm not very techno- it's late at night and I haven't a photo of me with my Sometimes a Wild God book so I'm sending one of my drawings that might distantly relate to this wonderful wonderful poem first read to me by the Scribe of my Druid Order around a fire in NZ under starlight- so inspired me I bought my beautiful copy- tore open the parcel when it arrived and needed no direction to read aloud- read aloud to my children as we drove late for speech & drama lessons- told by my children to stop shouting and watch the road. Tom and Rima you have given me back my god.

A beautiful, powerful poem.

Wonderful poem! It was read to me on a training course recently and it really spoke to me. I bought a copy for myself and a work colleague. The books arrived well packaged and in pristine condition. The feel and texture of the paper is fab and enhances the reading experience.

One of my favorite poems, beautifully rendered.

This little book was given to me by a dear friend at Christmas, and I loved it. So when I needed a little present for some other dear friends, I bought this copy; and they loved it too.

These little palm sized books are reminiscent of the books that were hand printed long ago. There is a bit of fond nostalgia that one experiences when reading them. They are beautifully crafted and the story writing is uniquely enchanting.

I have bought this copy for my brother after purchasing one for myself. Love everything about it the paper and the illustrations. The poem itself is magical, disturbing and wonderful. I listened to the audio on your site, Tom has a wonderful voice and really brings the poem to life.

I can't take a picture of the beautiful little book, because I gave it to a friend who was retiring from an organization I am part of. Our mission is to protect wild places in the Northeastern United States, and preserve them as "Forever Wild'. We do this for the Earth herself, for the wildlife, for connectivity, for helping mitigate climate change, and, because humans also need clean air and water, for us as well, (even though we are the cause of this mess the world is in). Originally I joined this group because of my own spiritual values, and because I have long been a fan of the wild within me. "Sometimes a Wild God" spoke directly to me, and having gifted it to my friend, I know that he loves it too. He was a founding member of the organization, and has often spoken of "sitting around a fire with some fermented beverages, speaking of wild things....". These days we don't sit around a campfire nearly enough; rather we spend most of our group time sitting around a table, making phone calls, raising money, etc. It's good work, though, and doing it with like-minded people makes all the difference. I am an artist, constantly searching for a way to integrate my connection to the earth with my art. It sounds like it should be obvious, but because my process is to paint my inner feelings not the outer world, this is always a challenge. Everything occasionally becomes so connected that often I cannot differentiate who I am from what I do. Enough of this. Thank you for "Sometimes A Wild God". One of these days I'll order one for myself. In the meantime, I have the text, and it is on the bulletin board in my studio, along with other images and words that inspire me. ~CC White PS Here's one of the quotes sharing space on my bulletin board: "Consciously, I walk the tightrope of discipline and accident...Unconsciously, I make my mark on the canvas." ~Fritz Scholder, Native American Artist

I absolutely LOVE this poem. It's beautiful and powerfully evocative. I used to go online (where I first encountered it) to read the poem to folks, but when I saw it was available as a chapbook, I decided instead to share it by buying extra copies to give to like-minded friends.

This was a charming little treasure to hold in my hands in the wilds of Austin Texas. Made me feel connected to something deeper, older. Many thanks. I am enchanted!

Beautiful, magical books. The Wild God in particular creeps under your skin & creates mystery within. I've already bought more copies & passed them on as gifts. There's a whole sensory experience to be had from the size & texture of the books themselves as well. Wonderful!

Beautiful book. Love Tom’s writing. I was lucky enough to be gifted the 4 books for Christmas.

I like to curl up and read this on a stormy Shetland night, when the house shakes and the wind roars. It's like meeting an old friend. There is some comfort in the act however creeping round the edges a faint trace of unease. Thank you for the rich sharing of your word smithery.

Sometimes a Wild God is up on our wall in our kitchen - because that is where we gather the most and where we have friends and family come in to be together with us. I like that everyone can see and read this most beautiful poem! Everyone comments on it - it is very deeply felt by many. I also give the small book away to all my friends - many copies going out this Yuletime - thank you! And then, the Yule calendar! On our Nature table, again, for all to EnJOY. Thank you both so much, your works have enriched our lives.

I love this poem so much. I have it in my bag and I sent one to my sister and she is sending it to all her friends. Something connective, something rich and deep as loam. Thank you for the magic of it. Photo is me at the Minack Theatre a few weeks ago.

This is one of my favorite poems. I’m taking the next few months to commit it to memory. I’m also giving both copies I ordered to special people in my life this solstice.

Sometimes A Wild God landed into my hands, and thudded into my heart, via a friend. It stirred me so deeply, touching the darkness of grief for the ecological crisis and stirring joy and elation for the beauty of life. This coincided with hearing about Extinction Rebellion, and in synthesis with many other things has led me to partaking in non-violent direct actions to highlight political innaction in the face of a climate emergency (with poem in pocket). A powerful poem for powerful times. For this I am deeply grateful.

This is the most powerful writing. It is dangerous. I am exhilarated and disturbed in equal measure. This echoes the reality of the Great Spirit, the God, that encounter and am ever drawn to with eternal longing. Wonderful writing. Thank you

Reading Sometimes a Wild God was a powerful experience; I knew I wanted to have a copy of it. This beautiful little book with Rima's art was just perfect.

This is a wonderful poem and it feels so magical to have a copy in my home .

I love this little book and the message it carries. It’s beautifully made but will eventually become soft and worn as are all my well-loved books. And friends.

I love this poem its very dramatic, not sure I understand it all but that doesn't matter. I heard Tom Hirons speak it on your site and every time I read it, it brings back his voice. Also love the edition which matches the two other books I own.

I read this poem online via a friend's post and was so taken by it that I was straight to the website to purchase. At that point I had not even considered how it would be presented. So my delight was multiplied by the wonderful illustrations and the feel of the paper. Love it so much :)

What a truly lovely book! Thank you

The presentation is modest but the content is not.Powerful and memorable