Poet, playwright, director and lover of words
Writing and working full-time is a tricky tightrope to traverse and I might need to post less frequently. This is disheartening so, today, as my early drafts are too rough to publish, I have hunted for inspiring writing quotes to lend much needed encouragement. I would like to credit https://www.inc.com/glenn-leibowitz/50-quotes-from-famous-authors-that-will-inspire-yo.html © Read, read, read. Read… Continue reading Writing Inspiration
Here is a question, do artists have a duty to be activists? It is a huge question. Some might answer that their art is personal, a place of retreat in a busy life, a stressful world. It could be argued that maintaining an independent identity is a form of activism, rebellion in a society where… Continue reading Weekend Creative Corner 14th July
Today is a day of showing up on the page, I am tired, (hay-fever or the start of a cold?) so I would like to reflect on where our love for words and stories start; for me, nursery rhymes and fairytales. This has always been one of my favourites. THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM'S Online Collection… Continue reading Thursday’s Child
Yesterday I shared draft two from my poetry masterclass. How do you like the redrafted poem, from a unfinished prose poem to a sonnet. William Zinsser ©️Walker in West End Lane (Draft Two) I see you, sitting on haunches outside Cafe Nero on my way to work, hunchedagainst the day. Sometimes you nurse a coffee,… Continue reading Monday’s child
Today I attended a City Lit Masterclass at Keats House, run by the author Helen Cox. It was a wonderful day. Firstly the setting which even the intemperate weather couldn't diminish; and the pleasure of an afternoon of writing poetry, shared with students who were engaged, open and generous and led by a talented writer… Continue reading Weekend Creative Corner 7th July
I have set a personal target of publishing two weekly posts, (on Mondays, and Thursdays) as well as a weekend post. But, yesterday, after a long day, instead of coming to the page with any interest, my mind was full of 'shoulds', so I didn't. Instead, I procrastinated, snacked like a hamster on acid, went… Continue reading Kitchen Table Poet
The Sketchbook (Inspired from a conversation with the artist Marc Brown, Southwold June 2024)Beach huts with perfect gables lift their heads to the cumulus. Colour of sand sediment, a breath inhaled and exhaled,black rocks a solid defense. An artist sits and watches as the sea waves over a swimmer’s brushstrokes in blue deep,deep blue, picking… Continue reading The Sketchbook
This week, I would like to refer to a book that I borrowed from the Poetry Library in the Southbank Centre, (a wonderful place to visit). 'A Ritual on How to Read Together-poems in conversation with William Stafford'© is edited by Becca J.R. Lachman and published in 2013. William Stafford was a prodigious and celebrated… Continue reading Weekend Creative Corner 30th June
My prayers arrow thousands of miles to pierce men's hearts, fell unfilled bodies, their souls broken shells in sand.In silent moments, I hope they witnesswhat their hate has made. One daywhen legs no longer bear you, and hearts beat last measured aches, see himdancing in the waves, and weep.S.Abdallah © Middle East Eye YouTube ©
Our clocks unwind the seconds, days, months of friendship years when heels hallmarked slender pavements, sundae cherry lips. Now, slate hair is burnished to silver. Twilight: mirror blue sky arcs the horizon, a filigree of cream marshmallows to catch the sun. We left our cottage-nest, teapot, teal cushions, soft featherings for middle-aged bones. Wildflowers nod… Continue reading Strawberries and Cream
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