I can’t work with you any more

‘I think I’m going to be going away for a bit,’ the book says. ‘Give you some space. Let you … More

Reading Wallace Stevens

‘I’ve been reading Wallace Stevens.’ ‘So?’ ‘I thought you’d be pleased.’ ‘I don’t get it.’ ‘Wallace Stevens!’ ‘I know who … More

‘I’ve got some good news,’ the book says. ‘I’ve just written ten new poems.’ ‘Wow, that’s great,’ I say. ‘Are … More

‘I’m depressed,’ the book says. ‘We can’t both be depressed,’ I say. ‘One of us needs to function.’ ‘Well it’s not … More

‘It’s over,’ I say. ‘You’re always saying that, too,’ the book says. ‘Always ‘tired’, or ‘busy’, or ‘giving up’. People … More

Last Sunday I attended the last ever group meeting and reading of the Mincing Poets, in Exeter. A classic … More

‘I’m tired.’ ‘You’re always saying that.’ ‘But I am.’ ‘Really? Is that what’s really going on?’ ‘I don’t know where … More

‘Are you lonely?’ says the book. ‘Why are you asking?’ ‘Are you?’ ‘Do I look lonely?’ ‘Does it come on … More

and James, it’s taken me a few days to read A Few Days, but I have loved every line, especially … More

‘It’s come back.’ ‘What has?’ says the book. ‘That feeling.’ ‘You’re writing again, that’s great,’ says the book. ‘No, not … More

‘I’ve been busy,’ says the book. ‘How?’ I say. ‘Twitter!’ says the book. ‘It’s great fun, you should try it.’ … More

Dear James (may I call you James?) Though it’s been a while (at least ten years, maybe more) it feels as … More

I have started the poem but the poem does not know it yet. I am more than flirting with it, … More

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the ‘poets I go back to’ idea, that I first came across in … More

‘What are you adding?’ ‘Me. I’m adding me. By being here. Even when I am saying nothing.’ ‘That’s your answer … More

And though I only met you once, your influence on me is massive, or should that be was I don’t … More

‘It’s gone.’ ‘What has?’ ‘It. This. Everything.’ ‘The chair is still here. I’m still here.’ ‘I don’t mean the chair. … More

‘It gets harder.’ ‘What does?’ ‘It. Everything. Teaching. Writing. Listening to you.’ ‘I didn’t see that coming.’ ‘You never do.’ … More