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…
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“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?
‘The Quotidian’ – a short story
The Quotidian "Your friend turned up the other day in one of those old t-shirts." "A red one?" "No, blue." "Impossible. He didn’t have any blue ones." "The old ones got confiscated - it was felt the logos were unnecessarily provocative. We gave out new ones." "He didn’t say." "Why should he?" "Anyway, how do … Continue reading ‘The Quotidian’ – a short story
Willow
Willow on the river the moon reflected fractured and rebuilt by the movement of the water only to be fractured and rebuilt again in the summer-evening still apologies for waves lap at the punt it feels poetic as if ancient others transported here would be able to wane more graciously than the … Continue reading Willow
Houston – 6 (“over and out”)
Such a splendid start to the day, walking into H&M in the Galleria and hearing Billie Marten's new single "Betsy". I'd never heard it before and instant knew it had to be Billie. Completely brilliant. [If you don't know Billie, then please check out her marvellous CDs. 2019 her breakthrough year; she has some gigs in … Continue reading Houston – 6 (“over and out”)
Conversation With My Muse
In honour of National Poetry Day in the UK: Conversation With My Muse When you come is it to rescue me from deserts or to remind me of the tomb? Reassembling parts of a life harvested through imperfect eyes my impoverished graces dovetail the frame of a bloomed mirror. Inadvertent lies are the unwanted … Continue reading Conversation With My Muse
Houston – 5
There is an amazing feeling; one that perhaps only those of us who write get to feel in the unique way we do. It's the feeling of 'finishing'. Believe me, it's not as banal as it sounds. For the last few days I've worrying away at a story. You will know this if you've read … Continue reading Houston – 5
Ian Gouge - Writer 