Influences: Peter Bourke

In 1991 we moved to a house in Brixton, south London. Of all our welcomes, that of our neighbour, the … More

Influences: Martin Wilson

One of the biggest influences on my life, let alone my writing, is Martin Wilson. I should know; he’s my … More

Lifesaving Poems: the book

Photograph © Bloodaxe Books Ltd I am delighted to announce that my Lifesaving Poems series of blog posts has now become … More

Influence

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

In memory of Michael Baldwin

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

Ann Gray’s genius

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

This is the day

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

Saying goodbye to Smiths Knoll

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

T.S. Eliot’s ‘Hysteria’

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

Teaching people who hate poetry

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

Losing my ambition

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

Poetry exhaustion

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

My hero: Michael Laskey

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

To my cancer

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

Taking a break

  With the exception of some posts about poets featured at this year’s Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, I am going to … More

Just one thing

It all started with two remarks, one by a friend, the other by a stranger at work. ß The friend’s … More

Not exactly fearless

  Someone who knows me very well knocked me sideways with a comment the other day. Remarking on this blog, … More

It is summer for months

It Is Summer for Months   Clothes are skimpy and tans are got without flight bags. We saunter beside a … More