Spring, once again spring,outside our window, starlings singas light takes on a gold-green glowsomehow I know (somehow I know)that new life is awakening I sense a stir — a quickeningand all things turn towards the lightas well they might (as well they might). Day breaks like the waves upon the beach, through tide-washed caves,carving the secret codicesof... Continue Reading →
On The Darkest Day…
I hold you close beside me, from a distance; light a candle for the lost and found;let sorrows ebb and flow, show no resistance let silence speak the plummet of the sound. I say a prayer for those without directionand set my compass to poetic north;whisper, beneath my breath, a benediction for the New Year, and all it... Continue Reading →
Crossing and Recrossing the Tyne
With just one week to go until the launch of my new poetry pamphlet, To Catch a Poem, I would like to dedicate this final reading to my partner, in life and in rhyme, Nick Reeves, without whom there would be no EIF. Thank you for believing in me from the very beginning, Nick! https://youtu.be/3PD0mvjLX9g... Continue Reading →
The most romantic meal is fish and chips…
The most romantic meal is fish and chipsin all the world, when shared with one you love:tart tang of salt and vinegar on the lipsthe tongue to tease, beyond reproach, above the cove carved out by coloured coasts,beneath the war memorial at high noon,leftover scraps to hungry seagulls tossed:to us, surfeit; to scavengers, a boon!... Continue Reading →
The Wintered Queen
Into the crystal screen, The Wintered Queenwith heart encased in ice, gazes:begins to dance throughout the changing scenewhile rain, rooftops and pavements glazes Glides over a bridge above the Tynewith a familiar strangermirror upon mirror intertwinedKing into Queen, St Nicholas to Grainger A mirage or a vision, carousel appears before them - hoverswith fairytale cast, and,... Continue Reading →
Archery In The UK: Release Date 1 February 2023!
Happy New Year to all of my readers! I wish you all the success and wellbeing you hope for in 2023. For me, there is no better way to start the New Year than with the announcement that Archery In The UK will be released on 1 February 2023. About the book I have always... Continue Reading →
‘Atlantic Beadlet Anemone’ published in FVR Magazine
I found jewels in a barnacled crevicewithin the cracked rocks on Cullercoats beachteetering close to the pools like a novicesaltwater gems within reach... Thank you to editor Kristiana for publishing my poem and photograph in Issue VIII of Free Verse Revolution. The title of this issue is Guinevere (Rebirth) and it is available now for... Continue Reading →
Archery In The UK launches early 2023!
What a year it has been for EIF, with four new titles published, and many more commissioned for 2023: the presses have barely stood still! I am about to take a much-needed break for the festive season (though I may post the odd poem or book review, I'm aiming to disconnect for the next 3... Continue Reading →
I Long to Belong…
I long to be long in your armsin your hand-holdmy lovehow I long to belong I long to be boldwith your charmsmeasured tenfoldmy lovehow I long to be bold I love to be lovedby your caresses blessedhow I love to be lovedmy beloved So I’m ending my songwith a kiss and a blessingI waitwhere I long... Continue Reading →
Spellcasting
Bewitched pigsflaming leavesbent, twisted twigs,a wind which weaves,mourns, moans of melodyhaunts with its poetryhand-in-hand you-and-mewalking a gold-coin trimmed alleythrough the cold veil of autumn. All this heat and symmetry remembered, how thebreath peals, wreathed in mistencircling thissacred geometry. Today is heavy:Rain falls and you aren't hereI call up the crystal screenstare hard into andthrough the ubiquitous... Continue Reading →