Philip Hanna Bell is a writer based in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland. His work has been featured in a range of prestigious publications, including The New Statesman, The Economist, and the Belfast Newsletter. Known for his sharp insight and engaging prose, Bell writes across a variety of genres, often exploring themes rooted in politics, culture, and identity. His writing reflects both a strong sense of place and a thoughtful awareness of the wider world. Passionate about storytelling in all its forms, he continues to contribute thought-provoking pieces that resonate with a broad readership.

Hovercraft

‘Are you watching closely?’ he asked
As the hovercraft puffed its cheeks
And started to shake
The edge of Portsmouth sound.

His grandson quivered, watching
The rubber cushion which
once held the future.

‘We built that!’

Topiary in Bangor

She liked her hedges cut ‘en broderie’
since it reminded drivers
that the peninsula was seen first
by the Normans.

As Van said, ‘we’re going in the deep
end’. And, in other words,
if a hedge wasn’t controlled
could anything else be?