So, Simon Armitage is to become the next Poet Laureate. A Yorkshireman following in the footsteps of Ted Hughes and Alfred Austin (who?!); the three Laureates since Wordsworth (a Cumbrian, obviously) to hail from the county. Well that's the next ten years taken up, then. Which means they should be short-listing in about eight or … Continue reading So, Simon Armitage…
Category: Poetry
“Philip Larkin: Poems” selected by Martin Amis
Larkin's one of those poets who divides opinion. I wonder how much of it is because of that famous line about "your mum and dad"..? The way he doesn't shy away from 'the vernacular'..? The thing that strikes me most about him though - so ably illustrated in Amis' selection - is how he can … Continue reading “Philip Larkin: Poems” selected by Martin Amis
Vocal | Chords
Vocal | Chords I want a voice of my own. | A rasp like Dylan’s -| two bars, you know it’s him. | A voice is not what you say | but how you say it; | Dylan could wring agonies | from Mary and her little lamb. | And don’t get me started | … Continue reading Vocal | Chords
At some point it becomes serious…
I don't believe you can set out to write a book. Not really. And I suspect many people who set out to do so in a conscious, act-of-will kind of way, are deluding themselves, and are either unlikely to complete the task or in doing so produce something sub-standard. Setting out in this premeditated way … Continue reading At some point it becomes serious…
Curtain
Curtain between the valley and the peak a slab of light sliding through the clouds flickers like a scrap of confetti easily slipped into stillness breathing hard through an open smile his eyes see with specific literacy ancient waterfalls carving in slow motion a ribbon of majestic beauty one side of a mortal … Continue reading Curtain
Always asking questions…
This evening was the fourth meeting of the new Stanza group which I have been facilitating just outside Derby in the UK. A Stanza is a gathering of members of the Poetry Society who meet - usually monthly - to 'do' poetry, one way or another. For our group, it is the opportunity for its … Continue reading Always asking questions…
“The Illegal Age”
Ellen Hinsey's "The Illegal Age" is one of those increasingly prevalent books of poetry that seek to blend different structures on the page in order to aid the conveying of message. Interestingly, when it comes to appreciation, I suspect books such as this one are more dependant than most on how the Reader is 'feeling' … Continue reading “The Illegal Age”
Launch Event News
A great launch reading today for "Oak Tree Alchemy"! We had around 35 people in the function room at The Oak Tree in Helperby, North Yorkshire. I know all nine poets who read really enjoyed the afternoon, and I hope our guests enjoyed it too. They certainly seemed to. As always, we were well looked … Continue reading Launch Event News
Scots Pine
Scots Pine there is a whisper in the air silence-pure a mountain breeze caresses attentive leaf-bound boughs swaying regally picking a cone from the ground you wonder aloud if they have always been there these trees these cones "if you take one home does it open and close with time?" obscurely … Continue reading Scots Pine
Does it matter when in the day you post?
I used to think the answer to that question was 'No'. From the point of view of principle, I argued with myself that it shouldn't matter; that a post - if it were good enough - would get the 'reads' whenever you posted it. But I'm not sure that's true. Especially if you live in … Continue reading Does it matter when in the day you post?
Ian Gouge - Writer 