Today we're celebrating how an image can inspire different people to write different things. In our recent workshop, we experimented with using images as the starting point to prompt writing. Below are some responses to this photo - what would you write? When I look at this photo of the tree and sun picture it … Continue reading One picture, many words
Tag: poem
On A day Like This by Fran Edwards
In this digital story, Fran tells us a little about how she came to live in Redcar, and shares beautiful reflections on the circularity and layering of time and familial relationships. https://videopress.com/v/KqFotemA?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata
Mania from Caoin by Fran Lock
Our final poem chosen by Jane Burn for her 'Surviving Trauma' series is by Fran Lock. Fran Lock is a sometime itinerant dog-whisperer and the author of seven poetry collections, most recently the pamphlet Raptures and Captures (Culture Matters, 2019) in collaboration with collage artist Steev Burgess, and Contains Mild Peril (Out-Spoken Press, 2019). She is an associate … Continue reading Mania from Caoin by Fran Lock
Everywhere is always full of holes by Denni Turp
Please welcome Denni to the blog, with a poem that speaks simply and eloquently of how normal is forever altered by trauma and loss. Everywhere is always full of holes The pier at Southwold with the water clock we watched so long to see the hour, the amusements, and the beach huts bright and neat … Continue reading Everywhere is always full of holes by Denni Turp
Splendid Isolation 1 by Sandra Falconer
Continuing with our 'incidental' series of poems written by members of our monthly digital storytelling group, here's the first of some lockdown verse by Sandra Falconer! Splendid Isolation When the command finally came it was hardly unexpected. Indeed, our self incarceration was anxiously desired As he found, at last, the means to sound authoritative, We … Continue reading Splendid Isolation 1 by Sandra Falconer
Sun by Bethan Lewis
And now for something completely different - a poem in which emotions change utterly over the course of a day, the hours and the shifting weather creating vast differences to the poet's internal climate. Sun Morning sunlight swells like a pipe organ, throws frisbee halos though our hair; the sun's generous caresses pour warmth into … Continue reading Sun by Bethan Lewis
Catholic Girl Ghazal by Rachel Burns
Welcome to the second of thirteen wonderful weeks in the company of poems selected by guest editor Jess Green, who says of this ghazal "The traditional structure of Catholic Girl Ghazal sits brilliantly alongside the references to Madonna both in pop culture and religion. The repetition creates a musicality which is echoed in the reference … Continue reading Catholic Girl Ghazal by Rachel Burns
Crewe by Ye Min
This week we start a series of poems selected by guest editor Jess Green, on the theme of 'Difference & Defiance'. Of our first piece , she says "I love a poem which does a lot with as little as possible. The question of the final line about a past which has led to 'weekend … Continue reading Crewe by Ye Min
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
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
Patterns by Steve May
This week we feature a poignant poem by Steve, about the changes wrought on everyday life by bereavement. Steve May worked extensively in the field of drama-in-education, including winning an Edinburgh Fringe First with Wigan Young People’s Theatre, before becoming an acupuncturist. He regularly performs his work around the NE of England and further afield. … Continue reading Patterns by Steve May
Two poems by Chris Stewart
This week we're happy to share two pieces by Middlesbrough performance poet Chris Stewart. Chris describes himself as "a background extra in a Harvey Weinstein movie because it is literally true. He is snoze af - so woke he had to hit snooze. He's been in loads of magazines and things you wouldn't have heard of. … Continue reading Two poems by Chris Stewart
Celebrating Change 