Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
The week started wonderfully as I was in the audience for the launch of Hatchery by Elizabeth Osmond. Such a variety of voices sharing their work and support to Elizabeth. It was excellent.
I shared Part 3 of Rachel Turney’s Poetic Voice feature. I feel genuinely honoured to have after poems based on my work. Read the feature in full here.
The allotment is coming in leaps and bounds and next month we’ll be harvesting the garlic and maybe some new potatoes. The hot weather has been a massive help too although I did catch a bit too much and ended up having a siesta.
At work it’s getting increasingly busy day by day as the Summer series ramps up. I am having some holidays soon, so I need to prepare ahead of time. I did win a prize hamper of international snacks this week which I’m very grateful for.
On top of that I’ve been reading;
The Way The Water Held Me
Poet: Catherine Redford
Press: The Emma Press
As soon as I began reading The Way The Water Held Me for my first read through, I was captivated and didn’t put it down except for wiping the tears from my face to protect the pages. Catherine Redford gives everything in this book.
The poems ‘With Sympathy’, ‘Circles’ and ‘Her Last Day’ highlight Catherine’s superpower of resilience. These are only a few of the poems that touch on Catherine’s grief, and I felt deeply emotional when reading them. It would be a disservice to try and quantify how profoundly struck I was with this collection.
Excerpt from With Sympathy
The poetry in the collection is vivid and rich in language and metaphor. The pieces including ‘Between women just grown up’ (one of my favourites) and ‘Funeral’ transport and immerse the reader from the page to scene. This is also the case with ‘Lost In The Woods’ which is another of my favourites. ‘On Naming The Stars’ is another exemplary piece that I should mention (I could mention every poem in the book really) that makes readers take notice and reflect.
Catherine has an interest in Mary Shelley and in the book she acts as a foil for some tremendously touching pieces. The poems ‘Mary Shelley and I are shipwrecked’ and ‘Mary Shelley dreams she’s the last woman’ are so heartfelt, respectful and refreshing.
Excerpt from Mary Shelley and I are shipwrecked
Forms and styles are catered for throughout the collection which maintains the sense of originality. We as readers have ekphrastic poetry in ‘After Emily’, found poetry in ‘Mary Shelley writes to tell me that her husband drowned’ has and clever use of spacing in ‘Widows Weeds’ (another of my favourites). The prescriptive list piece ‘Postscript: I return to the river one year after her death’ is incredibly written.
Excerpt from After Emily
This collection is a masterpiece and will appeal to poetics who like reading emotionally powerful poetry. The fans of styles and forms will love the variety in the book. This is one of my favourite collections I’ve read. It is a stunning and brave book, and everyone should have a copy.
To learn more about Catherine Redford, click here.
To buy The Way The Water Held Me from The Emma Press, click here. Favourite Poem:
I’ve already discussed the pieces ‘Between women just grown up’, ‘Lost In The Woods’ and Widows Weeds’, I will add another twelve but I could say the whole book. ‘Her Worldly Goods’, ‘Night Music’, ‘Starting Again’, ‘Moon Geese’, ‘Obituary’, ‘Good Friday’, ‘I visit a medieval herb garden in an attempt to rebalance my humours’, ‘Radiotherapy’, ‘Between women, very old’, ‘Return’, ‘Waves’ and ‘Performance’.
If you’ve made it to the playlist, these are the songs I landed on this week…
ABBA – Dancing Queen Seal – Kiss From A Rose Queen – You’re My Best Friend Massive Attack – Teardrop Sonny Rollins – Without A Song Fatboy Slim – Praise You James – She’s A Star Eva Cassidy – Over The Rainbow Aerosmith – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing White Town – Your Woman Joanna Newsom – Sapokanikan Art Pepper – Patricia
Before I Go…
If you’d like to take part at the next Book Bag Open Mic Session, tickets can be purchased here. Audience tickets are also available and free.
One More Thing…
If you’re in the Kingston area on 10th of July why not head to a poetry night hosted by Adam Elms and Book Bag alumni Chris Campbell. Tickets here.
And Another…
You have until Tuesday to submit to Full House Literary. Send your best work but make sure to read the guidelines.
And Finally…
Paul Brookes over at The Starbeck Orion is accepting poetry and artwork for The Summer Feast edition. Details here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Drawn
Poet: Peter Hughes
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 what a couple weeks I’ve had! I feel like I’ve been non-stop but the train has slowed for a while…
The online launch of Unwhispered Legacy was a massive success and I have been overwhelmed by the sheer scale of positivity sent my way. Thank you to all the readers and audience who joined and thanks to those who tried their hardest to make it.
I was lucky to be invited to participate in Poetry (in Brief) hosted by the excellent Rachel Turney in association with Wild Roof Journal where we discussed inspiring overseas places. I learnt so much during the event from the other poets and I have a travel itinerary now. You can watch the video here. Rachel is also this month’s Poetic Voice. Catchup on a cracking part 1 of her feature here which includes a Q& A and poems from her recently released collection Retired Wannabe Kid Club.
Last Sunday evening, I hosted a Book Bag Open Mic which was such a great event and the variety of poetry shared was terrific. Tickets for the next open mic are now on sale but are limited. Grab them here.
The allotment is a marvel. We harvested our first radish (icicle) of the year and used it in a steak salad. Can’t wait to harvest alot more! Bad news though, a snail has eaten our sunflowers. Lucky, we have some more ready to be planted.
Write Here, Right Now happened on Thursday and was a wonderful evening where I got to spend dedicated time on my writing. I shared a WIP and got some really valuable insight. I hope to complete the piece this weekend. The next one is in June, reach out if you’d like to know more.
We paid a visit to the Bluebell Woods in Bothal on May Bank Holiday. It was a carpet of bluebells (obviously) and wild garlic. There was so much birdsong, I shared a couple of pictures from my Merlin App but it cut off a couple of species.
On top of that I’ve been reading;
Hatchery
Poet: Elizabeth Osmond
Press: V Press
Hatchery is Elizabeth’s debut pamphlet that draws on themes including the history of neonatology and experience of working in the NHS.
Elizabeth’s empathy shines through the pamphlet and gives every piece authenticity. Two of my favourite pieces are the heartfelt ‘The Tiny Nappy’ and ‘I Wish I Could Write You A Prescription For Time’. These both have made a huge impression on me this week and have reminded me of the need for kindness. ‘Conversation’, another of my favourites, made me very emotional. ‘Dads’ is another piece that shows Elizabeth’s empathetic approach to people and poetry.
Hatchery delivers humour in well-placed positions in the book. I couldn’t help but smile at ‘Newbie’ and also the wry matter-of-fact description in ‘Newborn Check’.
Excerpt from Newborn Check
Elizabeth tackles challenging subjects throughout the book. ‘Mandatory E-Learning For Consent’ is a remarkable poem. As is ‘Spectacle’. Probably my absolute favourite poem in the book is ‘Doctors in Difficulty’, an authentic illustration of what being a doctor in 2026 is like and everything that comes with it.
Excerpt from Spectacle
Elizabeth’s skill in language, imagery and metaphor is present from the first poem and throughout. The piece ‘I Married The NHS’ is surreal and vivid filled with animalia. This continues in the piece ‘Neonatologist Visits The Reptile House’ which is delicate and tender. The book is perfectly balanced between realism and surrealism.
For all the fans of various forms and styles, Hatchery has you covered. ‘Ode To A Towel’ uses a couplet structure, there’s several ‘after’ pieces including ‘Hatched’. Elizabeth uses space as implied erasure to create an amazing effect in the piece ‘Spaced Out’.
This is a book which will appeal to poetics who appreciate emotive writing that is rooted in lived experience. It will strike a chord with parents and (adult) children. Readers who love explorations of form, language and imagery will enjoy this book. Grab it with both hands and hold it close, it’s a gem of a book.
I’ve already mentioned ‘Doctors in Difficulty’, ‘The Tiny Nappy’, ‘If I Could Write You A Prescription For Time’ and ‘Conversation’. I must also add the following handful; ‘Prognosis’, ‘I Want To Show You The Sink’, ‘On The Uses Of Pomanders’, ‘Making An Exhibition of Myself’ and ‘Bits’.
Oh, you stuck around for a playlist, did you? Here’s an eclectic mix for you…
Jack Johnson – Better Together Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World Carole King – You’ve Got A Friend Novo Amor – Anchor Queen & David Bowie – Under Pressure Brandi Carlile – The Story Eva Cassidy – Songbird The Paper Kites – Bloom Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris – Wildflowers Tracy Chapman – The Promise Norah Jones – Nightingale
Before I Go… Elizabeth is hosting an online zoom launch for Hatchery on the 17th of May with a fantastic lineup. Ticket details here.
One More Thing… Dust Poetry Magazine is still accepting submissions until the 17th May. Full details including submission guidelines here. Send them your best work.
And Finally… The excellent Frazzled Lit Short Story Competition is returning for 2026. For those thinking of entering check the details which includes a grand grand prize, click here.
If you can believe it, it’s May. How did that happen? I can’t be the only person who feels like time is running at full sprint? Anyway enough digressing, it’s the first day of the month which means…time to introduce a new Poetic Voice.
I first encountered May’s Poet on social media. Then I read her book Retired Wannabe Club Kid (and offered a blurb) and saw how much she was doing for the international poetry community and I knew I had to include her Poetic Voice in 2026.
Welcome… Rachel Turney.
This month we have poems from Rachel’s collection Retired Wannabe Club Kid (with a playlist), original poetry and an interview.
Rachel Turney, Ed.D. (she/her) is the Writer in Residence (2026) at NKollectiv in Englewood, Colorado. Her poems, research articles, reviews, and drawings can be found in a variety of publications. Rachel is passionate about immigrant rights, teacher support, and empowering other artists. She is a Writers’ Hour prize winner and Best of the Net nominee. Her photography appears on a few magazine covers. Rachel is the founder of the popular online reading series Poetry (in Brief). She is on staff at Bare Back Magazine with her monthly column Friday Night in the Suburbs. She reads for The Los Angeles Review.
Record Player Life with The Poetry Lighthouse – Buy here Retired Wannabe Club Kid with Parlyaree Press – Buy here To Be (a Woman) with redrosethorns – Pre-order here Women Making Soup Together with Vinegar Press – Buy here
In this first instalment of Rachel’s feature I have 3 poems for you from various sections of Rachel’s book Retired Wannabe Club Kid with accompanying recommendations for music (these will be included in the full playlist in the 2nd instalment) as well as a brief Q&A…
Poem 1 is Redefining Night and it speaks to the raver in me.
Track Recommendations: Beautiful Like Me – Joydrop Seventeen – Ladytron
Poem 2 ‘Europe’ takes us on a Clubber’s tour around the continent. It’s made me quite nostalgic…
Track Recommendation: Take Me to the Club – Mannequin
Poem 3 is a cosmic banger of a piece and one of my favourites…
Track Recommendation: What Else Is There? – Röyksopp
I asked Rachel a few questions about her writing…
PS: An easy one to begin with. What made you want to become a poet?
RT: Well, really doesn’t everyone want to be a best-selling fiction writer? But alas it turns out we are the chaotic poet just praying that one person will read our little poems about darkness, night, and maybe aliens. A person doesn’t choose poetry – poetry chooses you!
But really – I started the hobby of writing creatively when I was in elementary school, mostly short stories. I only recently sort of refound writing as a form of expression. I wrote a lot of the pieces in Retired Wannabe Club Kid as EDM lyrics and then I tried to learn how to use GarageBand without any success. I saw a few one woman shows at Iceland Airwaves back in 2019 where musicians looped their own music and sang and I was like damn I wanna do that. I then learned I cannot do that – lol. I tried to employ my father and brother, both exceptionally talented musicians, to help me but they didn’t “see the vision”, if you will. I am still looking for a collaborative partner if anybody reading this is interested.
PS:What is your writing process on a typical day?
RT: If you had asked me that a couple months ago the answer would be totally different than now! I used to have a structured routine, but I have abandoned it. Honestly, I think I got burnt out which won’t be surprising for anyone to hear – I do too much. I’m trying to “create” less. I do try to be true to one thing though – always writing things down. I have little notebooks around the house and some prompt journals as well that I use from time to time. Writing processes evolve and change and I think that’s a good thing.
In April I participated in One Poem Only’s After program, where I wrote a poem each day “after” the poem that was read on One Poem Only. Practices like this can be helpful as long as they aren’t forced. I am slowing down as a writer and trying to focus more on my reading series Poetry (in Brief). In fact, now is a great time to announce that I am starting a magazine based on my reading series! Stay tuned for more information on that!
PS: Movement and music play a big part in your poetry. How did this influence start and how do you keep it original and fresh in your work rather than making it feel routine?
RT: I come from a family of artists, musicians, and singers. I struggled to find my medium growing up. For a time, I rejected or didn’t honor the art and music side of me. It can be daunting when you are surrounded by talent. What I do have that the rest of my family lacks is fortitude. You can reject my poem 1,000 times; I’ll just keep submitting. I have found that this is necessary in the world of poetry, which is a very subjective art form. I think I have found my place in the art world now.
To the second question – I would like to think I achieved that by compiling all of my poems in this genre of music and movement in one collection: Retired Wannabe Club Kid. This collection is wildly different from the other three I have published. I don’t write in this style currently/anymore. I feel like I completed that work and I have moved to other influences and types of poetry. Right now, I am trying to write more prose and explore new genres like horror, science fiction, and surrealism.
PS: You do a lot of wonderful promotion for the poetry community. Do you have any tips for poets who want to get their work seen by a broader audience?
RT: Read and get involved with literary magazines. Three years ago, I had published literally one poem during the pandemic – a poem which is included in my book coming out on May 13th 2026 – To Be (a Woman). It wasn’t until I started submitting to literary magazines that I gained confidence. Now my work has appeared in hundreds of publications and I have made connections with so many EICs and other poets.
Another way to build connections is to champion the work of others. When I pick up a literary magazine, I read the pieces by the folks I know first and that I chat with on social media. I met most of the people I talk to regularly through my invited reading series Poetry (in Brief). I had a little group of poets I really admired and I thought hey I wanna meet these people, so I started a reading series to connect with others and create a space for community.
PS:Finally, beside you, who are the other poets we should be reading at the moment?
RT: I think a great place to find the freshest voices is through literary magazines! The editors curate their pages usually out of hundreds of submissions and tend to bring a collection of current and necessary poetry. Find a few lit magazines you enjoy, support them, and keep up with their editions. A few magazines I keep up with are Wild Roof, Orange Rose, Moss Puppy, Thorn & Bloom Magazine (by redrosethorns), anything Paul Short is doing – like your anthology Unwhispered Legacy that just came out (nods at Paul), Drip Lit, and so many others!
Instagram accounts I recommend following:
The Poetry Lighthouse publishes new poems directly to their Instagram from poets all over the world. You really get a good sense of what poetry is doing globally if you follow them. @thepoetrylighthouse
Quillkeepers – Stephanie Lamb (EIC) posts her own calls and many others in her stories. She champions the work of others. @quillkeeperspress
Here are a couple poets I keep up with on Instagram and why:
Nana – Nana does interesting things with rhyme and storytelling. I really respect his work. @whatnanawrote
Sandra Beth Levy – She posts her poems and just has a very positive page that uplifts others. @slevy43
And of course, follow me and say hello! @turneytalks
PS: Thanks Rachel. I completely agree with your recommendations and advice.
We’re back for Part Two of Rachel’s feature, sharing 2 more poems from Retired Wannabe Club Kid with suggested track recommendations plus a Playlist full of bangers to get your groove on.
We are jetting off on a global trip this time. This is ‘Veni Ad Me’
Track Recommendations: Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush It Can’t Come Quickly Enough – Scissor Sisters
And Poem 5 is jaw-droppingly sharp and concise. It made me look over my social media to see if i could still see the rough edges of me.
Track Recommendation: Memory – Alex Le Mirage
To go alongside Rachel’s excellent track recommendations, here’s a Book Bag Playlist to accompany Retired Wannabe Club Kid. This is not for the faint hearted.
Warning: Prolonged Exposure To This Playlist Will Result in Dancing.
Pacific State – 808 State Voodoo Ray – A Guy Called Gerald Good Life – Inner City What Time Is Love? – The KLF Chime – Orbital Release the Pressure – Leftfield Insomnia – Faithless Leave Home – The Chemical Brothers Breathe – The Prodigy Right Here, Right Now – Fatboy Slim E Talking – Soulwax Another Chance – Roger Sanchez Red Alert – Basement Jaxx At the River – Groove Armada Around the World – Daft Punk Get Get Down – Paul Johnson Lady (Hear Me Tonight) – Modjo Children – Robert Miles Café Del Mar – Energy 52 For an Angel – Paul van Dyk 9 PM (Till I Come) – ATB Punk – Ferry Corsten Traffic – Tiësto Call on Me – Eric Prydz Waters of Nazareth – Justice Zdarlight – Digitalism One – Swedish House Mafia Yeah – LCD Soundsystem And As Recommended by Rachel, Party Monster Soundtrack – Every Single Song
How time flies when you’re having fun.
I hope you’ve all been dancing to the playlist from Part 2 and ordering Rachel’s books!
For Part 3, I am so deeply honoured to share two pieces from Rachel. Both poems are written after two of my own pieces. It is such an incredible feeling.
Thank you Rachel for sharing incredible work throughout May and for your generosity with both time and creativity.
I’m looking forward to the release of your inaugural journal Poetry (in Brief).
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
This week has been fun and fast.
I started the week with taking the dog to a secure field and woodland so he could run free and explore. He slept well on Sunday evening.
I received a letter with some beautiful poetry, followed closely by ‘the taro as deer’ by Caroline Harris.
Work has been busy and I am learning more in my new role daily. It was our company conference and hearing from the guest speakers was inspiring on the topic and approach to education.
It was another wonderful Write Here, Right Now. I set a rather complex prompt which was different to my previous prompts. I think it worked well. I am very proud of the small community that makes up Write Here, Right Now. Everyone has a different perspective which helps tremendously when reflecting on your writing and taking editorial suggestions.
I got to catch the Last Saturday Poets which was a showcase of Hedgehog Press poets. The readings were perfect as was the artwork shared by Karen Pierce Gonzalez.
It was also great to see Paul Connolly announce his debut book, coming out with Broken Sleep in 2027.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
After Party
Poet: Dean Browne
Press: Picador Poetry
After Party is the debut collection from Dean Browne. And what a debut it is. This is a book that takes you with it as it explores multiple themes from different perspectives and angles. I now need to get a copy of his chapbook, Kitchens at Night.
Vivid, textured imagery jumps from the page in many of the poems in this book giving an immersive feeling. ‘Listening To Joni Mitchell’s Blue While Cooking Peposo’ is fantastic and one of my favourites in the collection. ‘Scuttle’ is another excellent example as is ‘Fascinators’.
Several of the pieces use surrealism with great effect. It’s an excellent skill to connect with readers at a subconscious level using weird and unexpected language and images. The poems ‘Quiche’ and ‘Notes Toward an Epithalamium’ are both excellent examples in my opinion.
Excerpt of Quiche
We are treated to deep emotion in multiple ways across the collection. The poem ‘Percy French’ is a swathe of emotion, mostly regret and unexpected grief. The piece ‘Pinball’ (one of my favourites) moved me considerably. A dark humour fills ‘Parachuting Into The Volcano’ and ‘Prayer For Buster Keaton’ compared to ‘Butternut Squash’.
Fans of poets exploring different form are in luck in this book. Micro ‘The Infinite’ is tightly packed and appears in your mind and stays almost immediately. The piece ‘Horse Chestnuts’ (one of my favourites) uses excellent repetition to convey the atmosphere. The use of couplets in ‘The Pineapple Massage’ adds to the quirky feel of the piece.
After Party is an absolute corker of a book. It will appeal to readers who appreciate vivid imagery, humour and surrealism. Fans of form will love the variation. As debut collections go, this is one of the best I’ve read and i highly recommend you add it to your poetry library.
Favourite Poem I’ve already mentioned ‘Listening To Joni Mitchell’s Blue While Cooking Peposo’, ‘Horse Chestnuts’ and ‘Pinball’ so I’ll add another seven. ‘The Triangle’, ‘Days Of The Brindled Cow’, ‘Synastry Chart’, ‘The Cup’, ‘Aide-Mémoire’, ‘Spacer’ and ‘Oink’ are still sticking in my mind.
An After Party and The Book Bag wouldn’t be complete without the playlist. This week I have a special mix of music across genres;
Groove Armada – At The River David Bowie – Life on Mars Tiësto – Adagio for Strings Dua Lipa – Levitating Queen – Flash The Weeknd – Blinding Lights Roger Sanchez – Another Chance Stardust – Music Sounds Better With You The Cranberries – Linger Bee Gees – How Deep Is Your Love Jay-Z Featuring Mr Hudson – Young Forever Joni Mitchell – California
Before I Go…
Unwhispered Legacy is launching on Tuesday. Hopefully it can raise some money for Médecins Sans Frontières. Keep an eye on social media for when the anthology goes live. My handle is @PaulWritesPoems across Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X and BlueSky.
One More Thing…
Remember to check out Vikki C’s March Poetic Voice feature here. It includes the Forward prize nominated ‘Morningfall’.
And Another…
Evie Carlyn has created a new space for poetry on BlueSky using the hashtag PoemsAloud. All you need to do is upload audio or video files of your poems.
And Finally…
Congratulations to all who had success in the National Poetry Competition especially the overall winner, Partridge Boswell. The Gathering is a wonderful poem.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Strike
Poet: Sarah Wimbush
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
It’s March already. Spring approaches with pace, clocks are changing this month and I fell like time is something we can’t grasp both figuratively or metaphorically.
As we slide gently into the (hopefully) warmer months, it’s my pleasure to bring you another Poetic Voice.
I first encountered this poet on social media and was startled at the beauty and elegance of language used in poems that always include multiple layers and deep emotional connection with readers. I feel very lucky to be able to share original work from this tremendously talented writer.
So without further ado, let me introduce March’s featured poet….Vikki C.
Vikki C. is a London-born poet, essayist and musician whose poetry, fiction and non-fiction appears in over 90 publications worldwide. She has been nominated for The Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and the Orison Best Spiritual Literature Award and was shortlisted in The Bridport Prize and other international literary contests. Recent and forthcoming venues include Grain Magazine, The Ilanot Review, EcoTheo Review, The Inflectionist Review, The Blue Mountain Review, Up the Staircase Quarterly, Psaltery & Lyre, Heavy Feather Review, Action, Spectacle, TIMBER, Skylight 47, Pinhole Poetry, Jarnal (Mason Jar Press), Ballerini Book Press, Astrolabe, Same Faces Collective, Bacopa Literary Review,Sweet Literary, Harpy Hybrid, Ballast, Emerge Literary Journal, Stone Circle Review, ONE ART Poetry, Feral, Salò Press, The Amethyst Review, Ice Floe Press, Black Bough Poetry, Cable Street, and Sunday Mornings at the River, among others.
She is the author of the hybrid collaboration In The Blueprint of Her Iris (Ice Floe Press, 2025), the full-length collection Where Sands Run Finest (DarkWinter Press, 2024), the chapbook The Art of Glass Houses (Alien Buddha Press, 2022), and the micro-chapbook Dusklight Through The Dogwood Bower (Origami Poems, 2023). A winner of the Black Bough Poetry Collection Contest 2024, she has a book forthcoming with the press, and was also a Black Bough Silver Branchfeatured poet in June 2025. A longtime interdisciplinary artist, her writing, voice and music have featured on audio collaborations and podcasts. She serves as a contributing editor at The Winged Moon Magazine and guest edited the Ice Floe Press hybrid series ‘Process-Marginalia-Otherworlds’.
You can keep upto date with Vikki’s work using the following;
I am extremely grateful to be sharing a few poems of Vikki’s over the next month. It’s always a privelige when poets trust me to share work. For Vikki’s first poem, I have selected the incredible piece, ‘Morningfall’.
If you missed the news on Social Media last week, you may be unaware that Vikki’s poem ‘Morningfall’ was nominated by me for the Forward Prize.
Today, I’m sharing Vikki’s 2nd poem, Again, Ithaca. This is a poem rich in language, physicality and metaphor.
I can’t believe how fast this month is flying by. Here we are on World Poetry Day. This is Vikki’s final piece for her Poetic Feature. I’d strongly recommend you read more of her work. Check out her links above. Anyway, for World Poetry Day, this is ‘There’s the idea of prayer and the idea of us’. Again, tremendous use of metphor.
I hope you’ve enjoyed Vikki C’s feature which includes her Forward-nominated ‘Morningfall’.
Until next time, enjoy poetry, celebrate poets. It’s what the world needs…
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 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.
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week.
I’ve had a great week. On Sunday just after sharing my thoughts on Merril D. Smith’s book, I saw two deer running just in front of my house, a doe and an infant. Then my wife and I did a spot of shopping and enjoyed a delicious pub lunch. On Monday we visited The Laing Art Gallery which currently has an exhibition on Miniature Landscapes including work from the original Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Excellent.
We also celebrated my Mother-In- Law’s birthday & retirement with a couple of meals and a delicious cake. Then everybody saw the wonderful full moon, Brody got extra walks just so I could gaze up.
The allotment is taking proper shape now. We have spread woodchip over most of the ground for pathways. This will enrich the ground which will enrich our produce. Also, we’ve planted our fruit bushes in the cage, including a black raspberry which I’m looking to try.
We took a lovely autumnal stroll on Friday, the trees providing a riot of colour.
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
The Liminal Light Of The Night
Poet: Carmella de Keyser
Press: Hedgehog Poetry Press
Carmella is an incredible poet and human being. Her work always has a deep emotional value that connects with readers.
This prize-winning pamphlet is a combination of stellar poetry and stunning art. Each perfectly placed in order. The poems play out in that space between light and dark, the space where where life is really lived. The artwork has been carefully curated enhancing the terrific writing.
Emotion is at the forefront of poetry in this book. We look at grief in the poem ‘I Count All Things As Loss’ which is a memoir that takes you on an authentic journey, both rough and smooth. No line or image feels like a cliche in this piece. ‘The Everlasting Exile’ is another piece teeming with power and physicality which ends perfectly.
Imagery and metaphor play an integral role in the pamphlet. The poem ‘An Odyssey Through You’ is an exquisite piece (one of my favourites) that is inventive yet feels classic. ‘Dark-Haired Girl’ is a vivid, immersive piece using multi-sensory elements to fully bring to life the words from page into reality.
The language in the book is sublime and each piece has a formidable lyrical quality. Carmella’s use of free verse benefits the words on the page as does the rhyming structure achieved in the piece ‘Bury Me Deep’ which creates a river’s motion.
This is a wonderful collection of poetry complemented by artwork from Vanya Milanova that showcases the human condition. The vivid imagery and journeys these pieces take you on will appeal to many poetics. A real gem of a book.
Favourite Poem:
I’ll choose a few to accompany ‘An Odyssey Through You’ so let me add ‘To The Strangers’, ‘The Closure Of The Dark’ and ‘I Count All Things As Loss’.
To buy The Liminal Light Of The Night, click here.
You’re looking for a playlist to read along to? Well I’ve curated a small selection of songs that I think work well with the pamphlet;
Bon Iver – Holocene Joni Mitchell – Hejira Nick Drake – River Man Goo Goo Dolls – Iris Train – Drops of Jupiter Tom Petty – Learning To Fly Tracy Chapman – Fast Car Mumford & Sons – The Cave
Before I Go…
Black Bough Poetry are hosting one of their tremendously supportive open mics on Wednesday 12th November. Audience tickets are still available here.
One More Thing…
If you haven’t already caught up Rebecca Goss’s feature as The Book Bag: Bag: Poetic Voice for November, read it here. This is another poem being added on Wednesday so make sure to bookmark the post, so you don’t miss out.
And Another…
There’s less than two weeks to submit ideas for the festive period to The Book Bag’s Christmas List. This is a way to support favourite poets, presses and fellow poetics in sharing with the wider poetry community. Details here.
And Finally…
The tremendously talented Stephen Paul Wren is hosting an online reading of work from his recently released title with Parlyaree Press, ‘Blood Women’ on Thursday 13th November. Details and tickets here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: Fourth & Walnut
Poet: Jeremy Over
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, this has been a week. On Sunday, I attended the Black Bough open mic and read a couple of pieces. I then had a half day leave from work on Monday where we took Brody to the vets for a checkup and boosters. He’s healthy but he really doesn’t like the vets.
Yesterday, the excellent Full House Literary launched their new issue, which contains one of my poems. I’m beyond happy to share pages with incredible writers. Read the issue here.
I’ve also been lucky to announce the new Poetic Voice for November as Rebecca Goss. The feature is here and another poem will be added soon.
I did manage to send off a few submissions this week too.
It’s been Halloween; we didn’t get many trick-or-treaters and a couple we did have were in my opinion too old to be trick or treating. There were some great costumes including 2 inflatable dinosaurs. Also, I saw some excellent fireworks going off in the surrounding area. Brody likes staring out the back window watching the colours explode.
And at the allotment the fruit cage has been wired, the cold frame is ready and our green manure is growing well. There will be a big change next week though…
On top of that, I’ve been reading;
Held Inside The Folds Of Time
Poet: Merril D. Smith
Press: Jane’s Studio Press
I’ve been a fan of Merril for a longtime, first reading her work on TopTweetTuesday some time ago. Not only is Merril a fantasy poet but is also very generous in her support to others, not just in poetry but in activism too. If you get the chance to hear her read, take it.
One of Merril’s key strengths is the ability to place so much emotion into her poetry. The pieces ‘To America’, an intimate and heartfelt poem and ‘May Morning’, a colourful landscape of sound are exquisite examples of this. ‘Sparrows’ is a breathtaking and heart-wrenching piece.
Merril is deft at crafting vivid poetry that immerses the reader in scenes that feel familiar. The poems ‘Cross-Quarter Days’ and ‘Topography’ are tremendous examples of this. One of my favourite pieces in the book ‘In Memoriam: for the Unknown Soldiers at Red Bank Battlefield’, stands out for imagery that connects multiple threads.
When Merril goes cosmic on scale in the pieces ‘Long Nights, The Stars Too Far’, ‘His Shirt’ and ‘All and After’ we are treated to wonderful interplay between scientific, delicate and romantic language.
There is a real sense of connection in the collection. This is across time and in various settings. The poem ‘Echoes’ is multi-sensory and highlights how sharing food can link people across generations. ‘Roads and Flights’ parallel the natural world and humanity and demonstrate how everything is linked.
In terms of styles, Merril makes use of free verse as well as different forms including a golden shovel in ‘That Time’, short form in ‘Daylilies’ and some ekphrasis in ‘Clasped and Cradled’ (inspired by recent Book Bag poet, Karen Pierce Gonzalez). But it’s not just poetry we are given in this book, but incredible photography taken by Merril herself. There’s also some lovely art within the pages.
This book has wide appeal, notably for the visceral, emotive and vivid poetry that lingers a while. If you want to feel a sense of connection, buy this book, if you like the thought of cosmic scale poetry that is epic and intimate simultaneously buy this book. Also, fans of photography will appreciate this book. A fantastic collection with pieces that cling to the mind like a fine November drizzle. A perfect gift for the festive season.
Favourite Poem:
I’ve already mentioned In Memoriam: for the Unknown Soldiers at Red Bank Battlefield’ but I’ve also got a few more to mention. I’ll add ‘At The Corner of First and Always’, ‘In Paris and Beyond’, ‘The Power of Gravity and Light’, ‘This Is Not—and Is’, ‘Letter From My Mom’ and ‘Horses’.
To find out more about Merril, her regular and very interesting blog is here.
Oh, are you looking for a playlist to read along to? Well you’re in luck because I’ve curated an eclectic mix for you:
Coldplay – The Scientist Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run The Clash – London Calling Duke Ellington & His Orchestra – Paris Blues Edith Piaf – La Vie En Rose Guns ‘N’ Roses – Civil War Gil Scott-Heron – The Revolution Will Not be Televised The Honey Drippers – Impeach The President Joni Mitchell – Big Yellow Taxi Stevie Nicks – Landslide David Bowie – Space Oddity Carole King – You’ve Got A Friend
Before I Go… Issue five of The Storms Journal launched this past week. Merril is one of the poets to have work in it. I’ve been following the artist reveals on Instagram and it’s a stellar collection. I’m just waiting for my copy to arrive. Details here.
One More Thing… You can help support poets and presses as well as provide gift ideas for fellow poetics by submitting to the The Book Bag Christmas List. Details here.
And Another… Matthew M.C. Smith, EIC of Black Bough Poetry is hosting another of their Crafting Your Year In Poetry workshops on November 16th. 2025. I attended one of the workshops and it has really helped me to develop my practise. I along with others highly recommend it. Details here.
And Finally… Just a reminder for all the poets, that the submission window for The Book Bag X Write Here, Right Now: Unwhispered Legacy Anthology opens at the end of the month, details here.
Next Week’s Read
Title: The Liminal Light Of The Night
Poet: Carmella De Keyser
Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.
Paul Writes Poems 