Content warning : gun violence, school shootings. This week's poem is a very powerful, very difficult read. It isn't graphic, but it is, in the words of our guest editor Amy Kinsman, "harrowing because it allows the victims to speak for themselves. The dead haunt the living, which is tragedy but also a kind of … Continue reading Learning About The Holocaust by Jennifer Maloney
Author: Kirsten Luckins
Poet and performer.
North East Programme Co-ordinator for Apples and Snakes.
First collection, The Trouble With Compassion, launched March 2016 and available from Burning Eye Books.
First solo show, The Moon Cannot Be Stolen, voted second in Saboteur Awards 2014. Second show currently under construction.
Poet-in-Residence at the Heroism & Heartbreak project, Hartlepool Community Archive, looking at WW1 maritime stories.
Truth @powers by Isaac Stovell
Our guest editor, Amy Kinsman of Riggwelter magazine, says "Although this poetry is comical and has the quality of a nursery rhyme or a fable akin to the emperor's new clothes, this does make several serious points. Political protest has been historically and remains for many to be an incredibly dangerous act for which many … Continue reading Truth @powers by Isaac Stovell
J.B, a Checkout Operator meets Factory Girl, E.H.
The third selection by our guest editor Kinsman had a very direct appeal. They said "On a personal note, I live in Stalybridge which has historically been a centre of protest and campaigning for civil rights among workers. For me the most effective political protest draws upon our histories. This poem very much understands it … Continue reading J.B, a Checkout Operator meets Factory Girl, E.H.
Big Ben is Broken by Ian Badcoe
For this second selection, guest editor Kinsman says "Whilst this poem articulates how we all probably feel about politics in this country at the moment, it does so in a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek manner. More importantly, it reminds us that every small action in the face of political stagnation has ramifications within our communities. Opening a … Continue reading Big Ben is Broken by Ian Badcoe
Abdul Haroun Almost Medals At Dover by Claire Booker
Welcome to the first of ten poetry selections by our guest editor Kinsman. "This poem serves as a counter point to the media portrayal of those who come to this country seeking asylum, which often treats them as if they were some kind of invasive species rather than human beings. Often the act of physically … Continue reading Abdul Haroun Almost Medals At Dover by Claire Booker
Callout for submissions #2!
Our submissions window for guest editor Kinsman is now closed, and we will begin publishing their selections next Friday. But while we do, you have 11 weeks to submit a whole new batch of poems to our second guest editor, Jess Green! Jess says I would like to see poems which explore difference and defiance; … Continue reading Callout for submissions #2!
Beginning The End by Pauline May
Today we bring you a haunting pantoum by Pauline May. Pauline lives in Sunderland with her husband, son and cat. She has worked extensively in education and across child protection, special educational needs and drama in education. She enjoys performing at spoken word events across the north east. She has had poems published in The … Continue reading Beginning The End by Pauline May
