Here is a list of the most-read Lifesaving Poems during 2015: Mary Oliver, The Journey UA Fanthorpe, Atlas Ted Hughes, … More
Tag: Reading Poetry
What you read in 2015
This blog would be nothing without its readers. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, made a comment or a … More
Always the people
‘To tell you the truth, it’s been shattering. But kind of amazing, as well.’ ‘You never said. You never said. … More
Aldeburgh going
‘Which is why Aldeburgh going is such a disaster. It took years to achieve what they did, years. Of slog, … More
The whole gang
‘Are you going to do one?’ ‘Who let you in?’ ‘Are you?’ The book has its feet up on my … More
Guest blog post: Endings and Legacies, by Naomi Jaffa
In terms of my poetry world, 2015 has turned out to be a year of endings and legacies. The Poetry … More
To my fearless guest bloggers
One of the great joys of writing this blog in the last year has been to invite some of my … More
Guest blog post: Strong Heart Songs, by Jo Bell
Anthony often writes that he is ‘at a Thing.’ I go to Things all the time. Poetry World is full … More
To Michael Laskey
Dear Michael I picked up your book the other day and wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying … More
On reputation (2)
It’s complicated. There I am in the bookshop, the one we all love, looking for a book. No one is … More
A review of Lifesaving Poems
I am grateful to Victoria Field of NAWE for reviewing Lifesaving Poems in the current edition of Writing in Education. You can download … More
Thirteen ways of remembering Ted Hughes
Teachers’ words should not be ‘How to write’ but ‘How to try to say what you really mean’ – which … More
Mowing the lawn with Maura Dooley
‘There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as … More
Why poetry matters
The value of poetry is that it should matter … first to the writer and then to the reader. Michael … More
About Maurice
I first met Maurice in the sitting room of a mutual friend, a lifelong Labour supporter, the night after the … More
KBO
‘80% of success is showing up.’ -Woody Allen I was chatting with a student the other day when I said … More
Guest blog post: Poetry and Work, by Shawna Lemay
Poetry and Work I recently took out a book via Interlibrary loan called, The Mind at Work: Valuing the … More
Lifesaving Poems: Fleur Adcock’s ‘The Soho Hospital for Women (IV)’
The Soho Hospital for Woman (IV) I am out in the supermarket choosing – this very afternoon, this day … More
Lifesaving Poems 