Only Air (Paperback or Softback)

Only Air is a deeply personal collection of poems which explore what it is like to go through a life changing accident and then to re-exist in a world that is suddenly unfamiliar. It is a story of making sense of a new way of surviving and beliefs once held whilst trying to overcome barriers, prejudices and labels. Sometimes moving other times a wry humorous account of memories, this is part biographical with a healthy mix of reflection. This collection considers what it means to be part of a family, being alive when you don't conform, and making your journey when the way you perceive yourself is often very different to the ways others observe you. At its very core, this is a discovery of what it means to be normal and to regrow.

“Only Air is the moving, intimate story of a life changed forever and Stephen writes about this inspiring but difficult journey with equal parts humour, insight, frustration and, ultimately, love. A book that introduces a unique and important voice on disability visibility and equality, masculinity and family to UK literature.”   

Sabrina Mahfouz

“Stephen Lightbown is a vital voice within the poetry world; a gust of change. Only Air combines humour, realism, celebration and challenge, so to offer something as important as breath.”

Rebecca Tantony

“Stephen Lightbown shows us that we can only overcome our regrets by facing them head on. Stephen accompanies us with a consoling arm, whilst jamming our eyelids open with matchsticks, reminding us that this isn’t his story alone and that only silence speaks of regret.”

David Turner

“Only Air is a truly cinematic book, powerful, visual and essential.”

Joelle Taylor