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.
I’m looking forward to sharing further pieces from Sophie throughout December. Bookmark this post and return on the 18th of December to read another poem from this remarkable collection. Sculling is one of my personal picks in The Book Bag Christmas Gift List which can be found 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.
November, here we are. The fiery palate outside makes me think this year is burning through time. Where did October go?
With a new month, comes a new Poetic Voice and I am beyond thrilled to be able to announce and welcome to The Book Bag, Rebecca Goss, a poet I have long regarded as exceptional, especially for her poetry of place. It was excellent to hear Rebecca receive much deserved mainstream recognition from Frank Skinner on his podcast a couple of months ago, listen here.
Image Credit: Natalie J Watts
Rebecca Goss is the author of four full-length collections. Her second collection, Her Birth, (Carcanet, 2013) was shortlisted for several prizes including the 2013 Forward Prize for Best Collection. She is the winner of the Sylvia Plath Prize 2022. Her latest collection Latch (Carcanet, 2023) was shortlisted for the Creative Suffolk Author Award, 2025. She works as a poetry mentor, and is a Writing for Life Fellow with the Royal Literary Fund, in NHS Recovery Colleges. She is current Poet in Residence for CW+, the official charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Follow Rebecca on Instagram @gosspoems
This month I will be sharing a few pieces from Rebecca’s collection, ‘Latch’ available to buy from Carcanet here which previously is a A London Review Bookshop Book of the Year and has been longlisted for the Longlisted for the New Angle Prize for Literature 2025. Carcanet have kindly provided rights for me to share images and poetry.
The first poem I will be sharing from Latch is ‘The Farm’
As promised, and graciously shared by Rebecca, this is ‘Weir’ from the collection ‘Latch’.
I want to thank Rebecca for sharing this bonus piece from ‘Latch’. This is one of my personal favourites in the collection and it is a real privilege to be able to share ‘The Hounds’.
Remember, you can here Frank Skinner discussing ‘Latch’ on his podcast here. You can buy ‘Latch’ here. It would make an excellent gift for poetry lovers.
Well the week started well and continued in the same vein. Sunday saw us head back to the allotment (and me saw down a rosemary tree that was starting to push onto the greenhouse) while the weather held off, then I attended the online launch of Merril D. Smith’s new collection, I signed a contract extension at work, saw some meteor action and I harvested our garden crop of Jack-be-little pumpkins.
I also found time to write what I think is one of my best pieces of the year, sent off a submission, and realised I’d lost edits my on a poem I really like. I’ve also started planning for 2026.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Wonderful
Poet: Harry Baker
Press: Burning Eye Books
Harry Baker feels like a poet who doesn’t need an introduction, a superstar poetry performer and previous champion of the World Poetry slam, with a huge following and profile who is a genuinely decent human being.
One of Harry’s superpowers is his ability to inject humour and heart into his poetry. The collection is filled with upbeat, warm and funny poems. I found myself smiling while reading pieces including ‘An Ode To Postcodes’ especially the line on NE1 (a Newcastle postcode) and ‘Things I Learned from Interrailing’.
The book balances the joy and happiness with reflections on serious matters. The poem, ‘Trying’ really hit me hard and in my opinion is such an important piece from a males perspective. Beneath the humour and metaphor, the book explores themes including masculinity in the piece ‘Wellies’ and coming to terms with mortality in the excellent ‘Sunflowers’.
Another of Harry’s strengths is his wordplay and punnery. One of my favourite poems of the collection, ‘Sticky Toffee Pudding’ does this incredibly well. As a performance poet, Harry can identify and incorporate language that will both work well with live audiences and on the page itself.
In terms of form, there are rhyme pieces, free verse, list poems and a few interesting styles, one that I had not encountered before which I may attempt. ‘As’ which is written with the Macao constraint, the poem ‘Ingrid’ (another of my favourites) is a univocalic using only the letter ‘I’. A very impressive piece.
The variety in this collection gives it a wide appeal to readers who are or aren’t already familiar with Harry Baker. If you like a poetry collection that makes you feel happy and warm inside, this is a book for you. If you like clever wordplay, this is a book for you. Wonderful is a charming, engaging book that brought me joy (I wrote that in the section of the book that allows you to record what brings you joy).
Favourite Poem: I’ve mentioned ‘Sticky Toffee Pudding’ and ‘Ingrid’ as favourites already but I’ll also add in ‘Home’, ‘Trying’, ‘A Bed Shop Called Dreamland’ and ‘Wonderful’. To be fair the poems in this book are all exceptional.
If you want to learn more about Harry Baker click here. Also, I would recommend following his Instagram account.
Are you looking for the playlist? You are, aren’t you? Well, here it is, a happy eclectic mix to listen to alongside reading Wonderful.
Pharrell Williams – Happy OutKast – Hey Ya Len – Steal My Sunshine The Cardigans – Lovefool Björk – It’s Oh So Quiet Eminem – Mockingbird P!nk – Get The Party Started Will Smith – Getting Jiggy With It Taio Cruz – Dynamite Michael Giacchino – Theme From Mission Impossible Marcus Mumford & Tom Howe – Ted Lasso Theme
Before I Go… There’s less than a week left to submit to After poetry. Details here. An excellent opportunity to be published on a highly respected platform.
One More Thing… There’s still time to submit your gothic pieces to Broken Spine Art’s callout for an anthology being published in 2026. Details here.
And Another… Remember to help boost your favourite poets and presses this festive season by sending over details for the Christmas Gifts Guide that will be published at the end of November. Details here.
And Another… Ice Floe Press are now open for submissions until November 18th on the areas of Process / Marginalia / Otherworld. Full details here.
And Another… A new Poetic Voice will be coming to The Book Bag from Saturday. Catch up with October’s Poetic Voice, the exceptional Carson Wolfe here.
And Finally… I’m enjoying reading for Frazzled Lit, a reminder that the submission window is still open until Friday October 31st 2025. Details are here, send your best work.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Held Inside The Folds Of Time
Poet: Merril D. Smith
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.
It has been a busy week this week. I think all my hard work and schedule has caught up as my department starts to quieten down.
We planted the onion and shallot sets at the allotment and have been able to dig over the fruit cage thoroughly. All the raised beds are now ready for use. We’ve planted green manure too. Progress is steady.
My nephew turned 18 and we celebrated with food and drinks in Northumberland. I can’t believe where that time has gone.
In terms of poetry, I’ve had a great week. I found out that I was shortlisted in the Katrina Collins Poetry Prize and will appear in the anthology alongside incredible poets which is a huge honour. Congratulations to everyone else who was nominated and to the winners.
Also Write Here, Right Now happened on Thursday and was excellent as always. Did every attendee get played in on my saxophone? Yes! Several of the pieces I have worked on in group or had feedback on have been sent out for submissions and results are positive and I’m adding value to my writing.
I’ve also been able to read some pieces for Frazzled Lit Issue 4. There is lots of talent out there.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Somewhere a Tree Waits For An Angel Or A Butterfly
Poet: Eileen Carney Hulme
Press: Hedgehog Press
I’ve been lucky enough to speak with Eileen over social media for some time. Eileen has been very supportive of my own poetry and is a big advocate of The Book Bag. I’ve also shared pages in anthologies with Eileen and always look forward to reading her work. She is by all accounts lovely and sent me a handwritten note giving me the background behind the book.
Somewhere a Tree Waits For An Angel Or A Butterfly was published in 2024 by Hedgehog Press after winning the inaugural Crimson Spine competition. And, after reading the poems inside it’s hardly surprising.
Eileen’s strength is creating tremendous imagery that elevate the poems from the page into the mind. Pieces including ‘Choosing A Stone’ and ‘A Smudge of Love’ are great examples of this.
Place and memory play an integral role in the pamphlet. The poems ‘Reverberations’ and ‘Illusions’ (one of my favourites) both take readers to the beach evoking different emotions through lived experience. The piece ‘Afterlife’ is incredibly moving and full of love.
Eileen’s use of language is precise and sharp yet simultaneously soft and delicate. ‘Sweet Time’ demonstrates this impeccably with the form used adding an extra dimension to the piece. The piece ‘Damp Shaped Us’ is another exemplary poem.
This is a pamphlet that will appeal to readers who appreciate the journey that love can take you on. The imagery and language in this book is beautiful and poems last long in the heart, especially ‘Lovers’ and ‘Afterlife’. It would make a beautiful gift.
Favourite poem: I’ve already mentioned ‘Illusions’ and ‘Afterlife’. Here are another five; ‘Somewhere A Tree Waits For An Angel Or A Butterfly’, ‘Lovers’, ‘What’s Left Behind’, ‘If You Could Go Anywhere’ and ‘When You Wake’.
To buy Somewhere A Tree Waits For An Angel Or A Butterfly, send Eileen a message here.
You didn’t think I’d forget the playlist did you? This is my eclectic selection to accompany the pamphlet:
Tina Turner – What’s Love Got To Do With It? Sixpence None the Richer – Kiss Me Semisonic – Secret Smile Scarlet – Independent Lovesong Queen – Somebody To Love Chris Rea – The Beach Oasis – Wonderwall Sam Smith – Latch James Blunt – Goodbye My Lover
Before I Go…
On Monday I’ll be sharing another piece from this month’s Poetic Voice, Carson Wolfe. If you haven’t read the feature yet, click here and bookmark.
One More Thing…
Louise Longson’s Last Saturday Poets is on 25th October 2025 and the line up is incredible. Tickets are free and the event starts at 7pm. Details here.
And Another…
With Christmas coming soon, I was thinking of doing a post about potential poetry book gifts people could buy for loved ones, friends and even for their work ‘Secret Santa’ however as something a little different, I’d love input from you all. I’ll be posting a link to the full details next weekend as to how you can be involved.
And Finally…
Atrium Poetry is open for a week long submission window from Monday 13th October 2025. Details will be available on their website from Monday. Send your work (read the submission guidelines first!).
Next Week’s Read
Title: A Wide River Divides Us
Poet: Gill Barr
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 probably asked this about 437 times this week, but how is it October?
I’ve had quite the rollercoaster this week. Sunday morning was spent at the allotment, making a bulb lasagne. Hopefully come spring, we’ll have some lovely pastels flowering. Fingers crossed!
I also saw Newcastle get (undeservedly) beat by Arsenal. But then we bounced back with a Champions League win. It was also the 2nd anniversary of getting Brody. We celebrated by giving him toys and treats. Unfortunately, the weather put pay to our planned walk.
Wednesday was the launch of this month’s Poetic Voice feature and I’m thrilled that Carson agreed to take part. If you’ve not read the first part already, catch up here. Thursday was National Poetry Day on the theme of ‘Play’. I shared a small piece on social media. I’ve also added it here with my TopTweetTuesday entry.
Also, this week I’ve sent off several submissions and had some good news. You may remember my poem ‘Laundry Day’ was accepted and published by Dust Poetry Magazine (link here), well I’m beside myself, because it has been nominated for a Best Of The Net award. I’d like to say thanks to Dust for trusting in my work and congratulations to all other nominees.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Why I Wear My Past To Work
Poet: Chris Campbell
Press: Parlyaree Press
This is Chris Campbell’s second appearance in The Book Bag. He is back with a bang in Why I Wear My Past To Work, a collection that spans recovery from illness, family, relationships and life. There is definite evolution in this collection from All Island, No Sea. I was lucky to be part of his online launch a couple of weeks ago. If you get a chance to hear him read, take it. His voice carries real weight and emotion.
One of Chris’ main strengths is his sharp observation. He can immerse a reader in a scene or situation that feels relatable rather than forced. Poems such as ‘Five Schoolboys Pick Pyracantha’, ‘The Sea Steals Our Picnic Blanket’, ‘The Meadow, Dugdale Avenue, 1993’ and ‘Revellers Howl In The Fine Hours’ excel in this vein. The piece ‘Cold Crooks By This Fire Pit’ made me think of ‘Hippy Green’ behind Old Eldon Square in Newcastle.
The pieces relating to Chris’s recovery are at times harrowing and at times funny. ‘Today I Can’t Speak’ is compact yet compelling. ‘In The Queue At Bristol Royal Infirmary’ is a darkly funny piece that is so relatable to anyone who’s spent time in an A&E and one of my favourites. Poems including ‘After Leaving The Ward’ and ‘Holed Up After Hunting For A Gift’ also highlight Chris’ spirit, resilience and the journey he has been on. In these pieces we are seeing Chris at his most vulnerable.
The pieces in this collection which address his relationship with his family are delicate and authentic. Poems including ‘Day Trip, 2000’, ‘You Are Here, Grandad, In This Mute Playpark’ (which left me in a flood of tears) and ‘Bin Workers Wake You’ are all perfect examples of this across a scale of emotion. ‘My Son Grows as I Regress’ is a tremendously thoughtful and moving piece.
Aside from family relationships, Chris connects with everyone, he is after all a genuinely decent human being. I must the poem ‘I Drown During An Awards Do As The Queen Dies’ where Chris confronts a former soldier who is spouting bigoted diatribe. The piece ‘How This Cuban Shop Serves Pachanga’ is a lovely poem on community full of sensory imagery. We need more Chris Campbell’s in the world.
In terms of form, Chris uses a variety throughout including couplets in ‘A Helping of Sand After University’, compared to the flow of single-versed ‘Our Date Night Will Be Ponchos In January’. In ‘I am The Man I Wanted To Be’ we are shown some neat, intricate internal rhyme along with honest introspection. I really enjoyed some of the surprising line breaks throughout the book especially in ‘There Is A Mortuary On The Horizon’.
This collection will appeal to poetry lovers who appreciate heartfelt poems from a masculine perspective that don’t border on cliche. Lovers of vivid imagery and sharp observations will appreciate the pieces throughout this book. These are poems to return to time and again, it feels like having a conversation with a friend who relishes family, friends and the small (and big) things in life. Also if you’re looking for gift inspiration for the forthcoming festivities, Why I Wear My Past to Work would make a great Christmas present.
Favourite Poem:
I have several favourites in this collection. I’ve already mentioned ‘In The Queue At Bristol Royal Infirmary’ so I’ll stick to another five as I’m writing. ‘Who Gave Our Kid Glitter Stickers’, ‘You Play The Violin On Your Mum’s Birthday’, ‘Shove Your 3-for-2 Flyer’, ‘Let Me Breathe Apricots’ and ‘Why I Wear My Past To Work’. I must also give a special mention to ‘Egg Lamp’s Verdict’. Oh and ‘Ode To The Pruning Woman Eaten by Vines’ is pretty special too.
And of course, it wouldn’t be The Book Bag without a playlist to accompany Chris’s collection, so here’s an eclectic selection to pair with the book…
Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now Florence & The Machine – Dog Days Are Over Oasis – Songbird Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy Miles Davis – Blue In Green Yusuf Islam – Father & Son Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three Little Birds The Verve – Sonnet Bill Withers – Lean On Me Elton John – I’m Still Standing Mumford & Sons – After The Storm Portishead – Only You Muddy Waters – Got My Mojo Working Ralph Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending
Before I Go…
Frazzled Lit are open for free submissions throughout October. I am excited and honoured to be part of the reading panel which also includes Louise Machen and Val Roberts. Details and Guidelines here. Send your best work.
One More Thing…
Broken Spine Arts have another thematic callout for submissions, this time for gothic poetry to be included in ‘The Havisham Steps’ anthology. Details here.
And Another…
If you want to partake in a supportive and friendly open mic, The Book Bag Open Sessions: Session 1 is on Sunday 9th November between 7 & 9pm (UK Time), via zoom. Share polished gems or roughcut coals. Or sit back and enjoy as an audience member. Details here.
And Finally…
Mark Anthony Owen’s excellent ‘After…’ journal is open for submissions throughout October looking for ekphrastic / after pieces. Full details here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Somewhere A Tree Waits For An Angel Or A Butterfly
Poet: Eileen Carney Hulme
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Paul Writes Poems 
