Lifesaving Poems: Pablo Neruda’s ‘The Dead Woman’ (La Muerta)

The Dead Woman If suddenly you do not exist,if suddenly you no longer live,I shall live on. I do not … More

Lifesaving Poems: Kenneth Rexroth’s ‘The Advantages of Learning’

The Advantages of Learning I am a man with no ambitions And few friends, wholly incapable Of making a … More

This is the opening question and answer to an interview with Paul Clyne of Poetry Spotlight, published today. With thanks … More

Readers of this blog will know that I make a list at the end of each year showing the most … More

Here is a list of the most-read Lifesaving Poems during 2015: Mary Oliver, The Journey UA Fanthorpe, Atlas Ted Hughes, … More

This blog would be nothing without its readers. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, made a comment or a … More

I am grateful to Victoria Field of NAWE for reviewing Lifesaving Poems in the current edition of Writing in Education. You can download … More

‘There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as … More

‘80% of success is showing up.’ -Woody Allen I was chatting with a student the other day when I said … More

Poetry and Work I recently took out a book via Interlibrary loan called, The Mind at Work: Valuing the … More

The Soho Hospital for Woman (IV) I am out in the supermarket choosing – this very afternoon, this day … More

Goulash A crucial ingredient is the right frame of mind so abandon all ideas of getting on. Stop pedalling, dismount, … More

Since I decided to leave Twitter and abscond from Facebook I have been reminded of some of the guiding principles … More

After Reading Tu Fu, I Go Outside to the Dwarf Orchard East of me, west of me, full summer. … More

I am taking a break from writing brand new blog posts over the summer. Instead of posting new work I … More

I am deeply grateful to Dave Russell of Survivors’ Poetry for his review of Lifesaving Poems in the current edition of Poetry … More

Thank you Lord, thank you. Thank you for all the gifts that you have given me today, Thank you for … More

As I said recently, I have been moving. Not away, not abroad. But here, within the space that already exists, … More