Guilty

I have begun to acclimatise myself to the fact that the Book is not coming back. To lure it back … More

The empty house

True to its word, the book has disappeared. There isn’t a trace of it in the house, not even a … More

Tracks 2 am: moonlight. The train has stopped out in the middle of the plain. Far away, points of … More

The way I found out, just as with my diagnosis, was via a segment of a conversation about other things. … 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

‘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

‘I heard the most amazing thing today. It was a bloke off the radio, don’t remember his name, does that … More