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.
Afloat
Poem inspired by a visit to the ‘Brighton Donut’ – a sculpture by Hamish Black.
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.
Broken Dolly
This poem was inspired by a broken doll that I saw when I visited Auschwitz in 2007.
That Look
Inspired by research on Victorian post mortem photography and my reflections on baby loss in the contemporary world.
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.
Friends Clump
When Uncle John died, we scattered his ashes on Ashdown Forest one cold but bright wintery morning.
Forgotten
My dad spent the last eighteen months of his life in a nursing home when he became too confused to live at home.
Grandmas Button Box
Stimulated from a writing exercise at University, this reminded me of my Grandma’s house and her skill with a needle.
