Welcome to the first poetic voice of 2026. February is a special month as I celebrate my birthday AND i get to share work from an incredible poet and man.
I first encountered this Poetic Voice sharing his work on the weekly PoemsAbout prompts supplied Broken Spine on Bluesky, finding his poetry smart and accessible and full of wonderful phrasing and incredible language. Then I heard him read at an Open Mic and I was blown away with his performance, he performs with an vigour and gravitas and if you get the chance to hear him read his work, do take it – he often shares his recordings on social media. I’ve been fortunate enough to strike up a real connection with him.
So with further ado, allow me to introduce the excellent Paul Connolly. Find him on Bluesky at @thepaulconnolly.bsky.social.
Paul Connolly has written verse all his life but turned more serious attention to it about fifteen years ago, having set aside his Orwell Prize-longlisted satirical blog. Since then he has had well over 100 poems published in poetry magazines and online periodicals across the globe. He was third in the Magna Carta Poetry Competition, highly commended in the Sentinel Prize, and has a Charles Causley Prize shortlisting and two for the Bridport Prize (as well as a Bridport longlisting in the novel category). Last year, he was among the finalists for the Walking at Night writing prize and received a Best of the Net nomination. He is now seeking a publisher for his first poetry collection and his two novels.
Across the month I will be showcasing a bumper four poems from Paul, starting with two today that showcase Paul’s range.
This is ‘Late Summer Walk’.
Poem 2 is titled ‘Graduation’.
Remember to bookmark this post and return on Tuesday 10th February to read a further piece from Paul.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
This week I’ve been able to celebrate Mrs S’ birthday with an afternoon tea, a day out and a movie night despite being lemsip cold.
The submission window for Black Bough’s Christmas/ Winter anthology opened and lots of poems are pouring in. Of my own writing, I’ve written a couple of pieces and edited them down. I was also in the audience for Iamb’s sixth birthday celebrations. A tremendously stellar lineup.
Aside from that, some unexpected news at work means I’ll be joining a new team in the next couple of weeks. I did receive a wonderful letter that raised my spirits.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
The beautiful cover was designed and created by the multi-talented Oormila Vijayakrishnan Prahlad
The How In The World
Poet: Louise Longson
Press: Hedgehog Poetry Press
Louise Longson is an incredibly talented poet having won the inaugural Kari Ann Flickinger Memorial Literary Prize in 2023 and has released several books over the past few years. She is also a massive supporter of the poetry community hosting a monthly showcase on the Last Saturday poets (you may have caught the Iamb special yesterday evening, mentioned above). I’m a big a fan of Louise’s work.
The How In the World is an ecopoetry collection that examines the impact of humanity on nature and vice versa. It’s a book I’ve been looking forward to reading for a while.
Louise’s poetry teems with indictment and one of her strengths is getting the reader to invest immediately. The pieces ‘Hunger Stones’, ‘Prayer For The Bodies Of Those Who Died Violently’ and ‘The World Is A Mirror Of Myself Dying’ all capture environmental suffering and decline through human, industrial and agricultural expansion. ‘Dark Harvest (26 March 2022)’ is another poem that really hit me hard. These are not your typical eco poems. They have bite, purpose and importance.
Readers are immersed in vivid scenery in poems such as ‘Graveyard by the Sea’ which uses multi-sensory language to immerse the reader. The piece ‘Spirit Bear’ (one of my favourites) puts us firmly in nature with a sense of motion.
Louise plays with form in various ways throughout the collection. The use of white space in ‘The Impact of Atmospheric Change on Bird Flight’ is put to great use supported by beautiful language. The shaping of ‘How We Are Like The Moon’ is terrific and seems to shift depending on how you hold the book in your hand. The piece ‘Memories Left By Water’ (one of my favourites) is a skilled crafting of a piece that can be read as three different poems.
This book will appeal to fans of ecopoetry who like their poems to have purpose and truth. If you love a broad scope of language and imagery, this collection would be an ideal fit in your poetry library. If you want to feel, buy this book. A phenomenal read.
Favourite Poem:
I’ve already mentioned ‘Spirit Bear’ and ‘Memories Left By Water’. Another handful as I write today are ‘How We Are The Willows that Weep By The Banks of The River’, ‘Somewhere In The Shadows’, ‘How We Are Something Sharp Smoothed By The Sea’, ‘Depth of Field’ and ‘Finding A Piece of Humanity’.
To buy The How In The World, click here. You can also contact Louise directly for a signed copy.
Wondering what my playlist to enjoy with The How In The World is? Look no further…
A Winged Victory for the Sullen – Steep Hills of Vicodin Tears Laura Marling – For You Sigur Rós – Samskeyti Fleetwood Mac – Songbird Paul Desmond – Take Ten Amy Macdonald – Caledonia Ella Fitzgerald & Nelson Skylark John Coltrane – After the Rain Brian Eno – An Ending (Ascent) Phoebe Bridgers – Scott Street Duran Duran – Planet Earth Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight
Before I Go… The Book Bag: Poetic Voice for February 2026 goes live at Noon today. Links will be dropping on social media, keep your eyes peeled.
One More Thing… Black Bough Poetry has an open mic on Wednesday 11th February. They are always supportive and welcoming evenings, and Matthew Smith is a great host. Tickets available here.
And Another… Matthew is also holding another Crafting Your Year in Poetry workshop which I highly recommend. It kept me on track and accountable for my goals in 2025 and continues to do so. Tickets here.
And Finally… I mentioned the submission window for Black Bough’s Christmas & Winter Anthology opening for entries this week. Remember, the window closes today (1st February 2026). Get your poems in.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Through Salt-Heavy Seas
Poet: Andy Williamson
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
What a week. Bristol for a conference and back again. A lot of train travel (where I got to talk to some great people and listen to their stories). It did mean I got to meet up with the man, the myth, Matthew MC Smith for a catchup. Did I get lost walking to the restaurant I had picked? Yes! Was it a good choice though? Yes!
Aside from my whistle stop 23 hours in Bristol, I spent a little time editing some of my own work and emailing all the wonderful poets who submitted to the Unwhispered Legacy Anthology. The decisions were immensely tough to make.
At the end of the week, I had a nice chilled out time reading, writing, puzzling, painting and listening to Coltrane.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Circulaire
Poet: Bex Hainsworth
Press: Written Off Publishing
Circulaire is Bex Hainsworth’s second book, following on from her success with Walrussey. I’ve been reading Bex’s work for a while and have heard her read several times at online open mics. If you get the chance to hear her, take it. Her poetry is authentic, relatable and accessible.
One of the primary themes throughout the book is womanhood. ‘Calf’ is an excellent poem that starts with a frozen water bottle which made me very emotional. ‘Daphne’ is another piece that looks at the power dynamics between women and men.
Grief is a thread throughout the collection and is dealt with in several ways. The poems ‘Lemon Tree in TheAlgarve’ and ‘Pourrir’ are captivating works that make you pause. ‘Learning Curve’ is poetry that bears a soul on the page and it made me well up on the train.
Another piece in this collection that carries weight is ‘The House of Peace’, a poem centred around a visit to the National Holocaust Museum. You can feel every word.
Bex paints vivid scenery and immerses readers in her poetry. A striking sensory palette in the piece ‘Santarcangelo di Romagna’ is transportative and had me eyeing up flights. In ‘Pebbles’ readers are treated to a warm and loving beach walk that you can visualise spectacularly. The title poem ‘Circulaire’ (one of my favourites) is another cinematic vision that combines place, time and relationships.
Relationships are explored throughout the book. The poem ‘Breaking Up’ looks at the reality of losing a friend through a breakup. ‘Cysterhood’ is a gentle poem of sisterly understanding. In the piece ‘Camping’ (one of my favourites) readers are treated to a glimpse into the burgeoning of love. It’s an poem that is brimming with relatability and authenticity.
Styles and form vary. The piece ‘Shortbread’ (one of my favourites) uses couplets to move the poem along while allowing reflection. In ‘Ode to Plantar Fasciitis’ Bex uses couplets again but breaks lines unexpectedly so you build anticipation to read the next line because you want need to know what’s coming.
This collection will appeal to readers who love authenticity in their poetry. The pieces feel familiar and relatable. If you want emotion that makes you feel it in your heart, this is a book for you. Fans of poetry on womanhood will love this collection. This book is an excellent addition to anyone who likes contemporary writing and in my opinion is a masterclass on poetry about life.
Favourite Poem:
I’ve already mentioned ‘Camping’, ‘Circulaire’ and ‘Shortbread’ so I’ll add another handful based on my thoughts as I write this (I could add so many more). ‘Séance’, ‘We Leave Each Other Moons’, ‘Life, Death and the Struggle For Stellar Survival’, ‘Yorkshire Puddings’ and ‘Marriage Preparation Class When Loving For A Second Time’. And I have to include ‘Learning Curve’ for the physical, emotional response it triggered.
Looking for a playlist to listen to in the background when reading Circulaire? Look no further…
Johnny Cash – I Walk The Line Alexander Courage & Gene Roddenberry – Star Trek Theme P!nk – Just Give Me A Reason Ash – Shining Light Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby Delirium featuring Sarah McLachlan – Silence (Tiesto’s In Search of Sunrise Remix) Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill Pulp – Common People David Bowie – Space Oddity Kasabian – Fire Amy Macdonald – The Hope Coldplay – The Scientist David Gray – Babylon
Before I Go…
If you’re looking for an evening of poetry on Saturday 31st January, Louise Longson is hosting a special online birthday celebration of Iamb, the incredibly curated platform run by Mark Anthony Owen. The line up is fantastic. Full details here.
Or if you’re in or close to Merseyside on Saturday, Alan Parry and the Broken Spine are hosting Poetry & Pints at The Grasshopper in Southport between 7 & 9pm featuring Martin Kennedy Yates and Jay Rafferty with open mic slots available. Check out details here.
One More Thing…
A quick reminder that submissions for the Black Bough Christmas / Winter anthology open on Wednesday. I’m excited to read excellent work. Read the guidelines carefully here.
And Another…
Reader and Audience tickets are still available for The Book Bag Open Mic Sessions: Session 3. Details here.
And Another…
Chris Campbell, writer of All Island, No Sea and Why I Wear My Past To Work is currently offering mentoring. This is a great opportunity to develop your craft with an incredible poet. Details here.
And Finally…
Next Sunday is a double whammy as the read will be released at 8am and the first Poetic Voice of the year will be released at noon.
Next Week’s Read
Title: The How In The World
Poet: Louise Longson
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
Well it’s good to be back after a good Christmas break where I’ve slowed down a little. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve hosted Write Here, Right Now, hosted another instalment of The Book Bag Open Mic Sessions, attended a Black Bough poetry bootcamp for planning how I’ll make the most of the year to come.
I’ve also been lucky enough to be welcomed by Matthew MC Smith to be a guest sub-editor for Black Bough’s Christmas / Winter Anthology . Last weekend I attended a workshop facilitated by the excellent Vanessa Napolitano, then on Sunday (pre open mic) I read at a Winged Moon launch event.
Due to the weather, the allotment progress has been a little slow, but the ground is thawing and the plot is just about ready for spring planting. We did get the start of a climbing bean arch in last week.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Songs From Last Imaginations
Poet: Dorian Nightingale
Press: Flight of the Dragonfly Press
I’ve been following Dorian’s work for a while now and was over the moon when he announced his book was coming out with Flight of the Dragonfly. Songs from Last Imaginations is a pamphlet of poetry and terrifically curated photography.
Dorian’s major strength is his sound patterning built on a base of incredibly lyrical and melodic language. Poems including ‘One’, ‘Narcissus’ and ‘Sparks’ (one of my favourites) are all prime examples of this using sibilance, alliteration, variations on rhyme. Also, I’ll drop a special mention for ‘Clair de Lune’ as being a gem of a poem (this is the first piece of music I learnt on the saxophone).
There is a vibrancy in the imagery of this collection. ‘A Day At The Beach’ is energetic with quick rhyme in the opening, pulling to a slower pace by the closing line. ‘Deep Blue Day’ is a slower paced piece from the start but maintains attention due to rich, vivid language.
The pamphlet does not shy away from complex emotions. ‘Round and Around’ is an accomplished piece using the spin of a vinyl record as metaphor for waiting and longing incredibly well. ‘In Bloom’ is a great poem on resilience and creates a distinct engaging tone.
Form and style are played with throughout. White space is used to its maximum in the poem ‘Nobody Home’ and in ‘Airlock’ the slash method of line breaks is used to break up the text. The language contained within the pamphlet is incredibly considered and rich. ‘Reverie’ and ‘Reckoner’ are both exemplary in demonstrating this.
The photography included in the book has been carefully considered, adding visual beauty through simple, unfussy images. I’ll also mention the musical scales included in the pamphlet that tie into the theme and ambition of this book.
This book will be a hit with readers of lyrical poetry who appreciate immersive scenery and emotive pieces. These are poems to read aloud and have fun with, test your cadence and style reading speed and style for each one several times and see how they can alter. A wonderful pamphlet to kick off 2026.
Favourite Poem:
There’s a few pieces in this pamphlet. I’ve mentioned ‘Sparks’ already so I’ll add ‘Swan Song’, ‘You’, ‘Spellbound’, ‘The Final Cut’ and ‘Little Wing’.
And for the first playlist of the year, here’s an eclectic mix to go with Dorian’s exceptional book based on my interpretation and some of Dorian’s musical inspiration (listed in the acknowledgements).
Bob Dylan – Visions of Johanna Bruce Springsteen – The River Röyksopp – Eple David Bowie – Wild is the Wind Portishead – Roads U2 – The Sweetest Thing Phoebe Bridgers – I Know the End Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Duke Ellington – Sophisticated Lady Led Zeppelin – Good Times Bad Times Claude Debussy – Clair de Lune
Before I Go…
It seems The Book Bag Open Mic Sessions are proving popular. Tickets for session 3, taking place on Sunday 8th March 2026 at 7pm, are now on sale and can be bought here. Spaces are limited. Don’t want to read? You can enjoy as an audience member for free.
One More Thing…
You may remember I signed on to assist the team at Frazzled Lit for the fourth issue. Well it’s out in the world and can be read here. It was an honour to be asked and read some excellent writing.
And Another…
The submission window for Black Bough’s Christmas / Winter Anthology 7 opens on 28th January and runs until 1st February. Full details can be found here. Read the guidelines and send your very best work to appear in an always excellent anthology.
And Finally…
I’d love to know what poetry books you got for Christmas. Did you get any from The Christmas Gift List? Is there a title I should be featuring on The Book Bag? Drop me a message in the comments.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Circulaire
Poet: Bex Hainsworth
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Well as it’s the last weekly entry in The Book Bag of the year, I thought I’d indulge us in a Christmas Party to round off an exceptional year of poetry.
So, we’ve got cocktails, a quiz, a playlist that will suit everyone plus some prompts to get stuck into. Oh and I’ve got a poem to share and other bits and pieces.
Tear the clingfilm from the vol au vents, and let’s dive in.
First, here’s a cocktail from the bar. A Yule Mule.
In a tumbler add: A good scoop of crushed ice 50ml Vodka 100ml Cranberry Juice 100ml Ginger Beer 50ml Orange Juice
Garnish with: A Sprig of Rosemary A few cranberries A slice of orange
Get comfortable and stay away from Google. Before the music starts and everyone dances like they’ve just discovered movement let’s have a little poetic quiz. Only 15 questions on the topic of poetry:
Who released their debut collection ‘Sculling’ in 2025?
How many lines are in a sonnet?
Complete the title of this collection from Gill Barr,
‘A Wide River_____ __’
Which famous Irish Poet wrote “Digging”?
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light” was written by
A. Dylan Thomas B. WH Auden C. TS Eliot
How many words are required for a quadrille?
Who wrote the winter poem Harbinger found in this year’s Christmas / Winter anthology from Black Bough Poetry?
Who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2025?
In which TS Eliot poem does the line “Winter kept us warm” appear?
How many syllables in total are in a standard haiku?
Who was the first Poetic Voice to appear in The Book Bag?
What is the name of my poem in the anthology Rites & Trials, recently published by Broken Spine?
Name the current British Poet Laureate.
What is a quatrain?
How many presents in total would you receive from your true love in the 12 Days of Christmas?
How did you find that? Has it made you hungry?
Why not treat yourself to a snack from the buffet.
There’s a lovely Baileys Christiramisu at the end there. Just make sure Marjorie doesn’t hide it to take later…
Here’s a winter poem for your enjoyment (hopefully).
I’ve given the DJ the nod to start the disco.
Here’s the playlist he will be using. Feel free to offer any more suggestions…
The Pogues Featuring Kirsty McColl — Fairytale of New York Mariah Carey — All I Want for Christmas Is You Ariana Grande — Santa Tell Me Wham! — Last Christmas Leona Lewis — One More Sleep Kool & The Gang — Celebration Chic — Good Times Dua Lipa — Don’t Start Now Kylie Minogue — Spinning Around Lady Gaga & Beyoncé — Telephone Bruce Springsteen — Dancing In The Dark Daft Punk — Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams) Boney M. — Mary’s Boy Child Slade — Merry Xmas Everybody Wizzard — I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday Shakin’ Stevens — Merry Christmas Everyone Sia — Candy Cane Lane Taylor Swift – Ophelia Cher — DJ Play A Christmas Song Backstreet Boys — Backstreet’s Back Chappell Roan — Pink Pony Club P!nk — Raise A Glass Whitney Houston — I Wanna Dance with Somebody Bryan Adams — Summer of ‘69 Queen — Don’t Stop Me Now Elton John — Step Into Christmas
Who’s worn out? Me too. Time to settle in for a Christmas Film or 2.
The popcorn and spiced almonds are coming around with some Black Forest Hot Chocolates.
We’re starting with The Snowman. And once we’ve shed some winter tears we’ll get joyous with Elf.
What are your favourite lines from Elf? Or are you not even a fan?
Here’s a gift for you all. Three festive poetry prompts to keep you busy.
Snow Globe Nights – write a nighttime piece as if you are stuck inside a snow globe, What’s the scene you’re surrounded by? What’s happening outside the curve? Stick to less than 100 words.
The Joy of Smiles – create a 30-word poem on a smile or smiles of loved ones. Avoid cliche and make it dynamic.
North Star – Inspired by the night sky, craft a free verse poem with the North Star as the central focus point. Make it cosmic and epic in scale with a generous 150 words split into 5 stanzas.
It’s time to zip up The Book Bag for the final time of the year. There is one last gift though. For anyone who missed the submission window for the Unwhispered Legacy anthology. You have until 9pm on Wednesday 17th December 2025 to submit up to 2 pieces. Details on subs here.
I hope to catch some of you at the launch of the Black Bough Christmas Anthology that is happening later today (5pm GMT) – tickets are free and available here.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
Well, what an exciting week. The Christmas Gift List went live last Sunday. If you haven’t read it yet, you can here. Feedback has been highly positive, and it could return in 2026. Let me know what you think.
I was so happy to welcome December’s Poetic Voice, Sophie Dumont, who is kindly sharing work from her profound collection Sculling. Read the first part of the feature here. Also, Sculling is one of my picks in the Christmas Gift List. An outstanding debut.
The submission window opened and closed for the Unwhispered Legacy anthology. I’m looking forward to reading and curating pieces and launching in Spring 2026.
I had some acceptances, my piece ‘Midnight Swingball’ made it out into the world with Ink, Sweat and Tears, I also had some excellent news about a Pushcart nomination for my poem ‘Of A Darkening’ which was unexpected and delightful.
We got over to the allotment despite the weather and were able to harvest the last of the radishes and plant our rhubarb crowns. We also picked and decorated our Christmas tree which was proper festive fun. I’ve already started watching vintage Christmas tv and movies.
How good was the full moon this week? Apparently, it was an extreme supermoon and the next time that occurs is 2042.
To top off a great week, I’ve been reading;
Make Up My Mind
Poet: Leia Butler
Press: Steel Incisors
Leia Butler is a super talented poet and editor. You may know her from her role as head editor at the excellent Full House Literary magazine or from previous collections including ‘Thoughts I Lost in The Laundry’ (Stanchion, 2024) and ‘Tear and Share’ (Broken Sleep Books, 2021). If you get the chance to hear her read at an open mic or online, her conversational style really shines through. Also, Leia has been highly supportive of my poetry journey and The Book Bag.
Make Up My Mind is a visual poetry collection that sparks a vibrant kaleidoscope of makeup across the pages giving a fresh and inventive feel.
Within the book Leia examines perception and critique and how this informs life. The pieces ‘Frequently ignored questions’ and ‘Take these as compliments’ are a commentary on social and societal attitudes to women and are stark.
Self is explored in pieces including ‘Unfortunately I don’t have it’ in the form of a letter to their childhood self and deals with loss of identity. Also, in ‘If I’m being honest. I’m not good at anything’ looks at insecurity and the worry that those insecurities will be identified by another.
‘How do I type into google’ is an effective piece demonstrating anxiety and drawing empathy from the reader. The poem ‘I don’t get embarrassed’ is a terrific commentary on how micro events can result in a physical state of unease. The repetition of ‘I’m blushing’ creates that sense of unease that embarrassment brings.
The poetry across these pages contains lots of wit and humour. I chuckled reading the piece ‘Yes, I chose this mug especially for the call’ (one of my favourites) because it’s authentic and relatable. This is also the case in ‘What do you do of a Saturday evening’, a poem that so many will appreciate and identify with.
‘Inheritance that lasts’ is a poignant piece examining grief and how it can materialise in memory tied to objects. ‘You’ve not lost yet, but you will’ is another powerful piece about how grief can overcome you during unexpected moments.
Fans of form are treated to a hybrid visual / poetic style that plays with shape. ‘When I turn 23 I’ll be so fucking cool’ is one of the examples where a makeup palette is combined with a list poem to great effect. The visual shadowing of words emphasis through echo in pieces such as ‘Apply, carefully, it stains.’ and ‘We will never argue when we get married’. The combination of evocative language and bursts of colour heightens urgency and mood. The piece ‘Keep it all inside’ about bottling emotions, showcases this expertly.
This is a book that will appeal to fans of relatable poetry with a deep emotional underpinning, lovers of visual poetry hybrid form, readers with a sense of humour. It will also resonate with poetic who appreciate work that explores self and society. This is a marvel of a book that would make an excellent Christmas present. Buy it.
Favourite Poem: I’ll include a handful of poems this week from myself and a bonus favourite from Mrs S who also loved this collection. So, to go with ‘Yes, I chose this mug especially for the call’, I’ll add‘I’m telling you the truth!’, ‘Warning!’, ‘I met all the best people accidentally’ , ‘You’ve got the job’ and ‘No I’m actually never angry’.
Mrs S’ Bonus Favourite: ‘What do you do of a Saturday evening’.
To buy Make Up My Mind, on eBook click here or in paperback, click here.
You can learn more about Leia by visiting her website here. And don’t forget to check out Full House Literary if you haven’t already done so.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a regular entry in The Book Bag without a playlist. So here is my recommended listening:
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe Lily Allen – Smile Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero Blink 182 – All The Small Things Charlie Puth – Lipstick Destiny’s Child – Mascara Nina Simone – Feeling Good Amy Winehouse – Valerie Disclosure featuring Gregory Porter – Holding On Wolf Alice – Don’t Delete The Kisses Miley Cyrus – Flowers Fleetwood Mac – The Chain
Before I Go… In my Christmas Gift List I mentioned the Christmas Winter Anthology from Black Bough Poetry. Well it has been released and is available in hardback and paperback. Full details and links to buy, can be found here. It’s a special collection.
One More Thing… Black Bough is launching the collection on Sunday 14th December 2025 from 5pm (GMT). Tickets are free. Sign up here.
And Finally… Tickets are still available for The Book Bag Open Mic Session 2. Share roughcut coals or polished gems in a supportive environment. Details can be found here.
Next Week: Something a little bit different…
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
And here we are. The final month of a year, that has gone by far too fast. It feels like only yesterday, I was taking decorations down in January, however only yesterday I was putting the decorations back up for the festive season.
As we’re in a new month, a new Poetic Voice has arrived. And I am ecstatic that this month in The Book Bag, I am featuring the work of a poetry superstar… Sophie Dumont. I first found Sophie’s poetry through the excellent Chris Campbell and became a fan instantly. Then I read the background to her debut book Sculling, and I reached out pretty much immediately for Sophie to be a Poetic Voice. Sculling is a profound debut collection. It has challenged my way of thinking and is quite brilliant.
Sophie Dumont is a writer based in Bristol. Her debut collection Sculling was published on National Poetry Day October 2025 and has since featured in the Guardian, Sunday Times Style and Financial Times. Her poetry won the Brian Dempsey Memorial Prize and has been published in The Rialto, Magma,The Moth, Ink Sweat and Tears and Mslexia among others.
She has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and has held writing residencies along Bristol Harbourside with Boat Poets and Exeter Quay through Literature Works. Find out more at www.sophiedumont.co.uk
Sculling is published by Corsair (who kindly provided the rights to use poems from the collection) and can be purchased here.
The first poem, is ‘Ghazal for when I think of you, I think of me’.
One of the main themes in Sculling is how one can live on through a selfless act of organ donation by saving others. Because of this, I wanted to raise some awareness for Organ Donation, which is a vital service that can help save lives. In the UK, information can be accessed here: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/.
Where are these December days going? It feels like only yesterday I was sharing the first part of Sophie’s feature.
Today, I am sharing another stunning piece from Sculling, titled ‘Celandine’. I am so grateful that Sophie is sharing work from her excellent debut collection.
Today I am sharing the piece ‘instinct of a glass eel’. This poem really struck me when I read it in Sculling and is definitely one of my favourites in the collection.
Sculling is one of my personal picks in The Book Bag Christmas Gift List which can be found here. Sculling is available to buy here.
Welcome one and all to The Book Bag Christmas Gift List 2025.
How has your week been? Are you feeling festive yet?
I’ve compiled this list based on reader suggestions and some personal favourites of mine to give some gift inspiration for the festive season. Another reason was to share and support your favourite poets and presses by buying books.
So, to tenuously misquote one of my favourite Christmas songs, let’s step into this extensive Christmas Gift list. I’ll also drop in a festive playlist and some more festive goodies. I ho ho hope you enjoy…
From M: The Poet Spells Her Name by Sarah Connor (also The Crow Gods and Always Fire both by Sidhe Press). Sarah died last year, but she left this legacy of her beautiful, courageous words.
From BH: Midden Witch by Fiona Benson published by Cape.
Is Midden Witch particularly Christmassy? No. Not really. But it is the finest collection of poetry I’ve read all year.
Criminal that it wasn’t – at least to my knowledge – on the big shortlists this year. Fiona is a poet whose word choice is so perfect can make me wonder why I bother to say anything ever. Just sublime.
From A: Here’s a couple of books I’ve enjoyed! Exact Colour of Snow by Bridget Kursheed, published by Shearsman Books and I Am Not Light published by Louise Machen, published by Black Bough Poetry.
From R: There are so many, but I’d go for At the Altar of Touch by Gavin Yuan Gao published by University of Queensland Press. Stunning imagery competes with bold inventiveness. Poignancy at the loss of their mother at a very young age is balanced by relationships they have had. It won The Premier’s Award and The Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize.
Daughter of Fire by Lucy Heuschen published by Yaffle Press has been nominated for The Forward Prize. This is a marvellously diverse book of poems on Margaret d’Anjou reflecting on her life from a myriad of angles and styles.
The Empire of Forgetting by John Burnside, published by Cape. This is an immeasurably poignant collection, full of the beauty of letting go.
From P: Here’s a retro nomination. It’s the reissue of The Mersey Sound from Penguin with the work of Adrian Henri, Roger McGough and Brian Patten. First issued in 1967 at the height of the boom of the Mersey beat groups, it really has got something for everyone – funny, surreal, poignant – and ideal for anyone wondering about the roots of contemporary poetry.
Four from BK including one I have on my wishlist…
It’s Like This by Charlie Parker published by Written Off Publishing. A must-read collection for the dad, uncle or brother who likes to chug a beer, wear a flat cap and talk politics down the boozer. Exploring social class, humanity and the specifically humdrum experience of growing up working class and Northern, Charlie Parker’s debut collection packs a punch and a laugh at the same time.
Disaffected by Korrin Smith-Whitehouse published by Written Off Publishing. Korrin Smith-Whitehouse’s collection of education-adjacent poetry will resonate with anybody in your life who has dedicated themselves to the system. Poignant, yet wry, it is a stark and honest look at how the current education system is limiting the potential of a generation, along with the adults who lead them.
Circulaire by Bex Hainsworth published by Written Off Publishing. Bringing together nature, witchcraft, femininity and a strong will to exist, Circulaire is a feast of a poetry book that will delight any witchy woman in your life. Focusing on the human form, love and connection, it will hold your hand and take you on a powerful journey.
Car Office by Emma Conally-Barklem published by Written Off Publishing. A collection of vignettes and small, detailed observations from the front seat of a Nissan Micra, Car Office is a unique collection of poetry. Written during the COVID pandemic, it explores human nature in an intricate manner, peeling away the layers of society and casting an eye over the idiosyncrasies of a British neighbourhood under lockdown.
Another from M: For anyone looking for a Christmas/Winter/Winter Holiday poetry book, any of the Black Bough Christmas/Winter Anthologies are perfect! There will be a new one coming out soon. Each of the anthologies includes a wide range of wintry feelings — cozy, haunting, nostalgic, joyful, from poets from all over the world.
From BT: Visiting Hours by Saif Sidari, published by Broken Sleep Books. This debut pamphlet is a profound exploration of identity that is at times heartbreaking and at other humorous, and is fully immersive. Saif’s voice as a queer, Palestinian in diaspora feels particularly poignant and essential at this juncture in our collective history.
From D: Jen Hadfield’s The Stone Age published by Picador is my suggestion. It’s not festive in any way, but it encourages us to look at the world differently, which is a great gift at any time of year.
From S: I’d love to recommend SHINE Quarterly, an international anthology of poetry. SHINE showcases poets at all stages of their careers, ‘shining a spotlight’ on thought-provoking work by writers from all over the world. Importantly, SHINE strives to highlight messages of equity and unity in the midst of these divisive times.
From K: Becoming Altar, New and Selected Poems by Kyla Houbolt, published by Subpress Collective is described as a collection offering both hope and resistance in what appears to be a dark night of the world soul. Each poem travels to its reader on a wave of love.
A few from E: ‘I’m nominating these books in a batch based on the creative risk-taking and strength of writing shared by these exceptional poets in the ‘Write Here, Right Now’ writing group.’
Held Inside The Folds of Time by Merril D. Smith published by Jane’s Studio Press The Keeper of Aeons by Matthew MC Smith published by The Broken Spine Smatterings of Cerulean by Susan Richardson published by Dark Winter Press A Gracious Month by G. P. Hyde published by Yarborough Studios Thoughts I Lost in the Laundry by Leia Butler published by Stanchion Through Salt-Heavy Seas by Andy Williamson published via Lulu
From J: Moon Base One by Jemma L. King published by Parthian is a book about hope and rebirth and was described by a reader as ‘a masterclass in metaphor. From foetal spacemen to the ever-shifting landscape of the maternal body, here is poetry microcosmic and macrocosmic, intimate and vast, gorgeous and visceral. It moved me; it made me want to write; it was brimful of loss and hope and complexity. I loved it.’
From L: MOTHERBUNNET by Laura Cooney, currently author published runs. This would make a good Christmas present, not for new parents, but for anyone who has had children for more than 6 months. It is a book of honest poetry which is raw and heartwarming in turn. It will make you cry, it will make you think, it will make you feel. It will make you give your babies a hug and appreciate the life you have been given. Perfect for Christmas. It is a Wonderful Life.
Another from E: Down River with Li Po by Karen Pierce Gonzalez published by Black Cat Press. Karen blends writing for political change with close observations of nature inspired in this beautiful collection inspired by an 8th Century poet.
From a different M: Lines of Communication from Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. This anthology looks at the beauty of the natural world but with a focus on the overlooked and forgotten. It looks at the unconventional, the fringes. Featuring over 90 international voices, all proceeds are divided between three charities.
A Big Thank You to everybody who submitted their picks. So much variety on offer and good to see previous Book Bag entries make your recommendations.
Now it’s time to share my list, this time with a 1 line summary from me. I was thinking the other day how much poetry I’ve actually read over the last year. Alot but it never feels like it.
Sculling by Sophie Dumont (Corsair) – A profound collection of poetry set against the current of the River Avon that deals with so much.
Latch by Rebecca Goss (Carcanet) – An outstanding collection on place and how intrinsic it is to our nature.
A Hobby of Mine by Rishi Dastidar (Broken Sleep Books) – Fun, smart, smile-inducing list poetry.
Beast by Pascale Petite (Bloodaxe) – Powerful, animalistic, surreal poetry that gets under your skin.
This Wilderness & Other Concerns by Martin Kennedy Yates (Broken Spine) – A 21st Century Wasteland filled with wonderful language and metaphor, and the glorious Scousenlish.
Why I Wear My Past to Work by Chris Campbell (Parlyaree) – Heartfelt and healing words with an authentic feeling of family.
Consolamentum by James McConachie (Black Bough Poetry) – A strong, masculine collection filled with brooding Spanish vistas and culture.
Drench Me in Silver by Saraswati Nagpal (Black Bough Poetry) – Mystical, mythical elegance underpinned by gorgeous language.
Elemental by Helen Laycock (Independently Published) – A tremendous book of poems that includes one of my all-time favourites.
With Love, Grief & Fury by Salena Godden (Canongate) – A collection that teems with emotional connection, real issues and defiance.
A Wide River Divides Us by Gill Barr (Cinnamon Press) – A captivating important, personal testimony of living through a pivotal time in UK/Irish history.
Black Skies Die Starless by Jamie Woods (Punk Dust Poetry) – A sharply observed collection that examines the 90’s through a realist’s gaze.
Street Sailing by Matt Gilbert (Black Bough Poetry) – Incisive commentary of humans and animals converging with imagery metaphor and a dash of humour at times.
Make Up My Mind by Leia Butler (Steel Incisors) – Distinctive, brightly vivid and visual poetry that leaves an exacting impression.
Rescue Lines by Lesley Curwen (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – Poignant, heartbreaking, important poetry beautifully written.
New Famous Phrases by Daniel Hinds (Broken Sleep Books) – A terrific inventive debut which challenges, responds and respects the masters.
Welcome To A Museum of A Life by Sue Finch (Black Eyes Publishing UK) – A curated exhibition taking us from childhood to the end with wonderful surrealism and dreamscapes.
Mountains That See in the Dark by Regine Ebner (Black Bough Poetry) – An excellent collection full of immaculate imagery that brings the Arizona Desert to life.
Soi-même by Victoria Spires (Salo Press)– An elegant and delicate pamphlet filled with intimate poetry.
Headlands by Alice Stainer (Live Canon) – The first book in The Book Bag in 2025, this stunning pamphlet takes you on a captivating emotional journey across vivid landscapes.
Husband Material Volume II: 27 Addresses (Hidden Hand Press) – Raw, gritty rhymes tackling real social issues, with humour, resilience and defiance.
Somewhere A Tree Waits for An Angel or a Butterfly by Eileen Carney Hulme (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – A stunning pamphlet of love.
The Liminal Light of The Night (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – A gem of a book filled with evocative poetry complemented by stunning artwork.
A Dress With Deep Pockets by Jen Feroze (Smith|Doorstop) – A marvel of pamphlet celebrating friendship, maturing and looking back.
Beautiful Little Fools Anthology from Broken Spine – A superb re-examining of the roaring 20s a century after Gatsby came out.
The Storms Journal Issue 5 is jam-packed with incredible poetry. It gets a special mention here because it’s been so well curated.
Out Yesterday: The How In The World by Louise Longson (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – It’s on my Christmas Wishlist and should be on yours too. Also on my wishlist is Permanence by Stephen Paul Wren & Lesley Curwen (Atomic Bohemian), State Of The Nations by Katrina Moinet (Atomic Bohemian), Coin Laundry at Midnight by Carson Wolfe (Button Poetry), Eurydice in the Ruined House by Anna Saunders (Indigo Dreams Publishing), The Lives We Had Before by Vanessa Napolitano (Stanchion), Quietly Wild by Alix Klingenberg (Mandala Publishing), In The Blueprint of Her Iris by Vikki C & Robert Frede Kenter and so many more.
Also, not poetry but short stories, Soots & Boots from The Broken Spine looks certain to be an intriguing collection of festive stories with that trademark Broken Spine grit you expect. The writers involved in this are excellent. I’ve ordered my copy.
If you’re looking for something cosy and poetic to do but don’t want to write or draft, why not give this downloadable poetic wordsearch a go over the festivities.
If you’re looking to write some wintry pieces, here’s three prompts that will help you on your way. If you do use them, I’d love to read the finished pieces.
Midwinter Magic – On Midwinter’s Day, the snow falls upwards carrying whispered wishes, secrets, spells and memories. Hone in one person. Are they participating or simply observing? Give this person depth.
A Festival For The Ages – A sudden burst of colour from the Northern Lights signals a convergence of time where past, present and future collide. Start the zoomed in then widen the lens. Keep it light and fresh.
Winter As…– Create a poem with winter as something distinctive such as an animal or object. Make it surprising and use minimal punctuation. Limit the words to 50 if you can.
It wouldn’t be a book bag without a playlist would it so here’s a little festive edition to get you in the mood…
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams Winter Wonderland – Frank Sinatra Last Christmas – Wham Step Into Christmas – Elton John All I Want for Christmas – Mariah Carey Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney Thank God It’s Christmas – Queen Let It Snow – Dean Martin Christmas Lights – Coldplay Don’t Let the Bells End – The Darkness Silent Night – Gregory Porter Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – Bruce Springsteen Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl Carol of the Bells – St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir & Andrew Carwood Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea What Christmas Means to Me – Stevie Wonder White Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald O Tannenbaum – Nat King Cole Cold December Night – Michael Bublé I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade 2000 Miles – The Pretenders Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen Mary’s Boy Child – Boney M It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como
Before I Go… One recommendation was for the Christmas Winter Anthologies from Black Bough Poetry. Well good news, I have two pieces in this inventive, quirky anthology and it’s available imminently. Follow their socials to grab a copy.
One More Thing… Another anthology I have a piece in which was just released, is Rites & Trials, poetry based on coming-of-age. This is a captivating array of poems and voices. Buy it here.
And Another… Atomic Bohemian are holding a free online event to launch two of their new releases. Permanence by Stephen Paul Wren & Lesley Curwen and The State of The Nations by Katrina Moinet on December 4th. Tickets and details here. I heard some of the pieces from Permanence on Saturday evening and they were incredibly powerful and important.
And Another… Tickets are available for The Book Bag Open Mic Sessions, Session 2 taking place in January. Reader slots are limited, grab your spot here.
And Finally… Make sure you submit to the Unwhispered Legacy Anthology. Submissions opened at midnight. All the details are here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Make Up My Mind
Poet: Leia Butler
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
I’ve had quite the week.
On Sunday, I popped into Barter Books in Alnwick to drop in some books, (I ended up buying more than I left) then we went for a walk along Alnmouth Beach where I tripped over some jetty railings and landed knee and face first. My shin currently has a bruise the shape of Italy. The walk was worth it though because I got this photo of the North Sea with Coquet Island lit up by a soft November sun in the distance.
Oh, I also got a wonderful message from Leia at Full House Literary informing me that ‘Updraft’ had been nominated for the Pushcart. Thank you to everyone who congratulated me also, it means a lot.
Thursday’s Write Here, Right Now was terrific. I gave five obscure prompts to work on, we worked in WiP then had the feedback session. I love the perspectives and insight that members provide that make you look at a piece in a completely different way. It was also fantastic to welcome two new members.
On Friday, the Christmas List window closed. I’ll be sharing the list next week and this will be in place of the regular book bag. The list has terrific variety and something for everyone.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
With Love, Grief and Fury • Poet: Salena Godden • Press: Canongate
Salena Godden is a force of nature. An incredible poet, novelist, activist and many other things. Last weekend, I picked up a copy of With Love, Grief and Fury after listening to Mrs Death Misses Death on audiobook and loving it. Let’s jump in…
As the title suggests readers are submerged in a pool of evolving emotions throughout the book. The link between the main themes of love, fury & grief is evident and used to excellent effect with authenticity. A standout piece that delivers a maelstrom of emotional turmoil is ‘Five Words’. I had to stop reading for the night after reading this.
Salena Godden’s storytelling is a major superpower. Her prose pieces including ‘Camden’, ‘October Tape Experiment’ and ‘You Made A Fuss’ are transportative and immersive. The poem ‘Sun Cream In February’ is a cutting observation starting with baked beans and ending with elephants and existentialism.
Vivid imagery is on display throughout the collection. The pieces that form the ‘With Love, Grief and Fury’ sequence and ‘Autumn’s Secretary’ demonstrate this as does ‘And The Moon Don’t Talk To Me’ Anymore. One of my favourites is ‘Dog Days Done’, it has an authentic hope.
Societal expectations and social issues are questioned and answered throughout the book. The poems ‘Book Mother’ and ‘Egg and Spoon Race’ tackle expectations on women. The piece ‘Wish You Were Here’ is a stark piece that takes in the pandemic and the decline in social etiquette / behaviour that came with it. ‘Dirty Old Men’ is a gritty and grimy indictment on objectification and justice.
Form and style is varied throughout. I’ve already mentioned prose pieces. Readers are also treated to breathless streams of consciousness poems, list poems and pieces that use the page differently such as ‘One Hundred and Nine’ or the screenplay ‘2084’.
The use of language and vocabulary is expert, I’ve jotted down a couple of new words to use in future poems. I may write a couple of ‘After’ poems in response to some of the pieces in this book.
There are so many topics and themes I could go into but that would take me a year. What I will say is, this is top class writing. In the top 5 books I’ve read this year.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy relatable, honest poetry that approaches real issues with excellent effect. It is a collection rich with emotion and immersive storytelling. There are tender moments, fierce moments, defiant moments. A title that whispers and shouts. Once read, you will want to keep returning, time and again.
Favourite Poem:
I’ve already mentioned ‘Dog Days Done’. I could choose many more but based on today’s feeling, I’ll go with another seven. ‘Camden’, ‘The Girl In The Green Cardigan’ ,‘Bit On The Side’, ‘Evergreen Tea’, ‘Burned’, ‘1999’ and the ‘With Love, Grief and Fury’ sequence. But really I can’t stop there so another few that just popped into my head are; ‘City of Water’, ‘Cake’, ‘Sakura’, ‘A Small Kindness’, ‘Kimono’ and ‘2084’.
Are you looking for this week’s playlist? Well this is a bumper eclectic mix to enjoy whilst reading:
The Jam – That’s Entertainment Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love The Ramones – Sheena is a Punk Madness – It Must Be Love Annie Lennox – Why John Coltrane – My Favourite Things Bruno Mars – Marry You Joni Mitchell – Got Til It’s Gone Marianne Faithfull – Why D’Ya Do It Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over Elton John – Your Song The Commitments – Mustang Sally Prince & The Revolution – Purple Rain Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman Fatboy Slim – Praise You Sade – Kiss of Life David Bowie – Rebel, Rebel Bryan Ferry – Love Is The Drug Beyonce & Andre 3000 – Back to Black Little Roy – Come As You Are
Before I Go… If you want to be part of the next Book Bag open mic, I’m pleased to announce that tickets for The Book Bag: Open Mic Sessions – Session 2 are now on sale and can be bought here.
One More Thing… If you missed it, the bonus poem from Rebecca Goss has been added to her Poetic Voices feature. I’m priveliged to showcase exquisite work on The Book Bag. Read here.
And Another… On Saturday 29th November, I’ll be reading alongside some outstanding poets who are launching their books at Louise Longson’s Last Saturday Poets. Tickets are available here.
And Finally… Have you got poems ready for the Unwhispered Anthology 48-hour submission window which opens next weekend? Guidelines and details here.
Next Week:
The Book Bag Christmas List
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
I’ve a terrific week this week. Let’s start with poetry. The inaugural Book Bag: Open Mic Session was a success, and I feel so grateful for everyone who attended and shared such excellent poetry. Also, your comments and Session Two is happening on January 11th. Tickets go on sale soon and will be announced on social media first.
A further poem from Latch by this month’s Poetic Voice, Rebecca Goss was added to her feature and can be read here. Weir is a tremendous piece and I feel lucky to be in a position where poets trust me to share their work.
I’ve had an acceptance (woop!). I’ve written a couple of pieces and submitted to a couple of different journals. I received proofs of two print anthologies which I have work in (more details of those coming soon).
I also read at The Black Bough Open Mic as a Featured Poet which was an honour and privilege. I’m feeling more confident and comfortable with readings compared to last year. I’ll be focusing on adding more readings to my Instagram.
I’ve also been able to work at the allotment and I’m so happy with the progress we’ve made so far. We harvested some radishes and roasted them to go in a winter salad with walnuts, beetroot and goat cheese. Delicious and simple.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Fourth & Walnut
Poet: Jeremy Over
Press: Carcanet Poetry
Fourth & Walnut caught my eye as its so different to anything else I’ve read for The Book Bag. This is experimental poetry at its best.
For starters, the last twenty odd pages is a blackout poem using an illustrated children’s book. Even its title ‘Yes & Yes’ derives from the original book. Surreal, subversive, clever and witty.
The book begins with the piece ‘Advice to a Young Poet’ where the writer name checks poets from Rilke to Blake and Thomas Merton delivering some tongue-in-cheek wisdom to the reader.
Thomas Merton has a large influence on the collection, appearing in several works, the book taking its name from Merton’s epiphany in Kentucky.
There are more recent pop culture references in ‘Reading In The Rain: An Essay’ which has a nod to one of my top 5 favourite active weather people, Tomasz Schafernaker and media legend Angela Ripon. In this piece there are poems within poems.
‘In The Middle of Things’ is an imagery-rich two-part piece that teems with emotional resonance and heart. A poem that makes you stop and reflect. Then return to read it again and again.
‘Equinox In A Box’ is a sprawling piece that takes place over a day could be a pamphlet in itself. Making use of multiple styles, images and wordplay. It makes the reader slow down, pause and engage with the piece. It was the perfect read after a challenging workday.
A key strength in the book is it’s shifts. Not just in theme and format but in rhythm and pace. Read the sequence on snowdrops within ‘Reading In The Rain: An Essay’. Sublime.
Nature is integral to the collection. Whether it be the animal kingdom from turtles to rhino to cows and birds, plant kingdom from lichen to cowslips or weather patterns. The range used is epic in scale but all works to produce great results.
Fourth & Walnut will appeal to all the surrealist lovers, fans of experimental contemporary writing and poetry readers looking to read something different. This is whimsical poetry, the type that makes you smile, ponder and relish.
Favourite Poem:
‘Yes &Yes’, ‘In The Middle Of Things’, ‘Reading In The Rain: An Essay’ including or the sub poems and ‘Equinox In A Box’.
You want a quirky playlist to companion this book? Well here it is…
Mika – Rain Norah Jones – Come Away With Me Etta James – A Sunday Kind of Love Bob Dylan – Blowin’ In The Wind John Coltrane – Equinox Gregory Porter – Be Good Smashing Pumpkins – Rhinoceros Massive Attack – Teardrop Radiohead – Present Tense Arthur Alligood – 4th & Walnut
Before I Go…
There’s less than a week to submit ideas for the Christmas List which will be released on the last Sunday in November in place of the regular Book Bag. It’s a perfect way to share ideas and inspiration and boost your favourite poets and presses in time for the festive period. I’ve had some super entries so far. Full details here.
One More Thing…
I’m delighted to say that I am reading at Louise Longson’s Last Saturday Poets on Saturday 29th November. It’s a fantastic line-up and audience tickets are free and can be booked here.
And Another…
The submission window opens in 2 weeks for the Unwhispered Legacy anthology. Full details here.
And Finally…
Write Here, Right Now is taking place on Thursday (the final one of 2025). Our small writing group is a source of inspiration, knowledge and support. If you’re interested in joining, you can drop me a message. We are inclusive, supportive and anti-bigotry.
Next Week’s Read
Title: TBD
Poet: TBD
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Paul Writes Poems 
