Ten new poems

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

Your worst book

‘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

Losing touch

‘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?

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

Waiting to be found out

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

All the poets on Twitter

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

The poem as love affair

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

Hectic

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

It’s gone

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

The echo chamber

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

What people say they have been up to on Twitter

‘I’m tired.’ ‘You said,’ says the book. ‘No, I mean, I’m tired. Of my handwriting.’ ‘What’s wrong with it? It’s … More

The way I felt when I first heard Public Enemy

‘You look tired.’ ‘I am tired,’ I say. ‘But term hasn’t even started yet. You’re not match fit. Just you … More

Moral ethics

‘I’m tired.’ ‘Go to sleep then,’ the book says. ‘There’s plenty for me to be getting on with while you’re … More

Gazing out of someone else’s window

‘Where have you been?’ the book says. ‘Where have you been?’ ‘Here, waiting for you,’ the book says. ‘Working.’ ‘Same … More

Not to forget

‘What drives you?’ says the book. ‘Haven’t we been here before?’ ‘What drives you?’ ‘Are you serious?’ ‘Never more,’ says … More

Other objects, by Primo Levi

Consider what value, What meaning Is enclosed even In the smallest Of our daily habits, In the hundred possessions Which … More

More than a metaphor

‘I’m not talking to you,’ says the book. ‘Whyever not?’ I say. ‘You left,’ the book says. ‘I’m never going … More

The wedding speech

‘Where have you been?’ says the book. ‘And good morning to you, too!’ I say. ‘Where have you been?’ the … More