Lateral G

I am really pleased to be part of this. See me there, on the right-hand side? Can’t wait to read the others, either!

These are limited edition, short runs and sell out very quickly, so if you want one, go to

http://www.scumbagpress.co.uk

I’m going to be in this!

I am thrilled to have six short poems included in this leaflet, alongside Brian McGettrick, Carson Pytell, Kate Garrett, Niklas Stephenson amd Gwil James Thomas.

Scumbag Press is an independent punk publisher. They also produce a zine called Paper and Ink, and a podcast of punk music and poetry. Check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/scumbagpress

https://www.facebook.com/PaperAndInkZine

I’ll post more info when it’s released.

I understand why rich people might vote Tory, but I can’t understand why poor people would do it. Is it aspiration or delusion? Here’s an instant poem on the cost of living crisis.

Out and about again yesterday evening – more Hudds Lit Fest, this time a Spoken Word night hosted by Talking Zebras. They meet a couple of times a month on Saturday afternoons at the Wickham Arms in Cleckheaton. I might go tomorrow.

http://www.talkingzebras.co.uk

My purpose with all of this is to hone some stagecraft, but it has made me realise that I’ve been in a bubble, not really exposing myself to other people’s poetry. This was partly deliberate, while I found my own voice. I think I was worried about being influenced by others and ending up sounding the same, but I don’t think that could happen now.

I’ll confess that I did think that Spoken Word as a genre all sounded too similar, but that might just be because a lot of what gets on to the radio is London-based.
It’s totally different up north and I’m really enjoying listening to such a wide variety of styles.

With a heavy-bagged stagger,
I drag my hand-gathered haul
Home, to burn for warmth.
These dry winter days expose
So much combustible waste.
They say wood heats you twice,
But I find it’s thrice:
Once more for dragging it back!