Poems

Poetry has an art all of its own. I don’t profess to be the greatest of poets and I definitely don’t stick to the rules. It’s hard for me to write a poem to order, but sometimes something touches me and only a poem will do. Here’s a selection of my work.

The Portal

This poem was written as a personal response to unanswered questions after the death of my step son-in-law.

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Afloat

Poem inspired by a visit to the ‘Brighton Donut’ – a sculpture by Hamish Black.

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Poem for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is really tough for any mummy who has experienced the loss of a child. One of the best ways to survive Mother’s Day is to prepare for it by anticipating and allowing for our emotions.

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That Look

Inspired by research on Victorian post mortem photography and my reflections on baby loss in the contemporary world.

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Highwayman Coat

When I was sixteen I found an old coat in a charity shop. I took it home, adjusted it for size and virtually lived in it every winter for the rest of my teens.

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Friends Clump

When Uncle John died, we scattered his ashes on Ashdown Forest one cold but bright wintery morning.

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Forgotten

My dad spent the last eighteen months of his life in a nursing home when he became too confused to live at home.

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Grandmas Button Box

Stimulated from a writing exercise at University, this reminded me of my Grandma’s house and her skill with a needle.

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