‘When I read poetry’: in memory of Mark Strand

I am sad because the great American poet Mark Strand has died. Among the tributes to him in the last … More

The Four of Us (a new poem)

I am delighted to have The Four of Us, a new poem, in London Grip New Poetry, which you can find … More

I am at a thing. Not a famous thing, but an important one nevertheless. People are there, people you and … More

The poem and I are best friends. For ever. We hold hands in public and spend every spare minute with … More

On the Sunday morning of the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival I breakfasted with poets discussing the theme of writing poetry and … More

By the time you read this I will be far away from here. It has not happened yet, but I … More

Ellen Doré Watson was a new name to me until recently. ‘Be Here First ‘ is a good example of … More

I am at a thing. A historic thing. (An historic thing? I will never know). Poets are there. Household names. … More

Alan Booth wasn’t the first teacher to teach me something, but he was the first who drew me into the … More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Clothes are skimpy and tans are got without flight bags. We saunter beside a … More