POETRE

Yes folks, it is 2020, so what better title for a poem and indeed this blog post, than “ Visionary” ? From now on, life is going to be all about changing the way we see things, changing the way we do things , in order to survive. I am hoping we can still have some fun along the way.

With mainly fun in mind, I have set myself some “poetry goals”  to get me through the year. Write a poem a day! Submit at least one poem a month! Perform at open mics at least once a month! Keep hosting my Poetry Cocktail Open Mic Night! I know, they are not rocket science but it keeps me writing, which keeps me healthy.

As the 1 January passed, I remembered to check out Visualverse.org. They post an image at the beginning of each month and you have one hour to write in response to that image and submit. I have been reflecting a lot on the bravery of Greta Thunberg and in my view some of the ill- judged responses to her activism and this came to mind when looking at the drawing they used, together with how quick we all can be to judge what people present on the surface, how interesting it is to look beyond that. Women activists know stuff, they are impatient and at the same time understand human foibles all too well. Often, to be heard,  they have to stand out in ways that society does not quite get – until years later.

I wanted also to write something where the woman was the main protagonist, she is not a passive recipient of  either desire or hate. Here is a brilliant woman who is ahead of her audience and she means business.

Thank you to Visualverse .org for the monthly prompts , the opportunity to write and the joy of sharing it on- line .

 

Home

 

Sometimes it is great to get inspiration from photos and drawings. That is why Visual Verse.org appeals , plus the time- limited brief of one hour. It is a good way to focus eyes , head, heart and mind. Surprisingly, the tight timescale squeezes out unexpected imagery , forgotten words and inspiration. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the art produced, from the comfort of home but always with an international twist.

Here is my poem published October 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since I started on my own poetry road, I have kept my eyes forward, said yes to as many opportunities as I can and of course, I keep on writing. Combining this with a part- time job as a social worker is interesting! To be honest, I would not be able to carry on in this role if I did not have the truth of poetry to buoy me up.

The poetry / spoken word/ Open Mic / City Arts/ Notttingham Writers Studio community and the individual poets I have met have been encouraging, inspiring, challenging and compassionate. Thank you, because without this my cultural and spiritual life would be a lot poorer. It is so energising , getting to learn new things and hearing all your wonderful tips and your works.

Sometimes it feels strange, I am on uncertain ground having come to  creative writing later in life, I am both a  newbie with little idea of how to progress, but also an old hand in life experience .Connecting with others over our work is a buzz , whatever your perspective or circumstances.

Poetry makes me want to keep on, keeping on- and that’s a long way from how I felt nearly two years ago.

Here are some poetry gigs I have been involved in very recently, or am about to take part in:

Saturday 14 Sept, 1p.m. City Arts “Words of Wisdom”launch at Nottingham City Home’ Fun Day, presented by Henry Normal ( on film) , Poet Andrew Graves and academic ;

Saturday 14 September 14:00, Poetry Aloud stage at Stuff of Life Festival, Nottingham. Performed with Ellie Betts and Mina Ahmed as part of “ Tell Tales”

Friday 20 September, 6pm. Derby Cathedral, Moon Installation poems organised by Trevor Wright

Tuesday 24 September 7pm Word! Spoken word stage , supporting George Sirtzes , beeston-library-part-of-inspire-poetry-festival.

Thursday 26 September 7pm Poetry Crane Collective Showcase ( tbc) , also,part of Inspire Poetry Festival

October is for resting and writing. Oops, but then comes along National Poetry Day October 3rd !

🗣🎉🍸15 November 7pm for 7:30 start,

                POETRY COCKTAIL OPEN MIC @ Holy Calzone

STOP Press! featuring, Award – winning Poet, Leanne Moden

“Leanne Moden is a breath of fresh air for an art form so often concentrated on oneself, looking around her with a humorous but curious gaze many can’t achieve. Her work is both beautiful and dirty, bold and timid, but at all times open, honest and a joy to hear.” Hollie McNish, Ted Hughes Award Winning Poet

see Facebook, Poetry Cocktail at Nottingham Poetry Festival 2020

welcome to the bi- annual poetry night, host Gail Webb

theme “ Coming Home” 

Hope to see you there! 🗣🎉🍸🎉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, who would have thought it? Parliament has been rudely interrupted by the Boris , just because he wants to tour farms, fisheries and factories in an attempt to show us that he really understands how this country works. Just shut up shop, stop all debate and swan around the countryside with a hapless media in your wake.

Nothing for it, I must turn to poetry in my hour of need:

All The Bs.

Banksy, will you paint us out of this mess?
A graphic picture of Boris might do
Floppy and bouffant in his style and dress

Politicians have failed, along with Press
No one can decide what course to pursue
Banksy, will you paint us out of this mess?

Now we will have a buffoon, more or less,
To sit in Number Ten with his own crew
Floppy and bouffant in his style and dress

Perhaps a timely portrait will add stress
To the phrase,”Boris, we do not want you”
Banksy, will you paint us out of this mess?

How Boris can rule is anyone’s guess
He is crass, lacking insight, nothing new
Floppy and bouffant in his style and dress

Boris cares only for his own image
Now entering as the joker on stage
Floppy and bouffant in his style and dress
Banksy, please do paint us out of this mess.

Gail Webb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Picking up a copy of this BoSHEmia , Origins Edition, August 2019 @ FiveLeaves Independent Bookshop, Nottingham. Proud to have had two poems accepted. 🗣🎉🍸❤️#BoSHEmia#FiveLeaves

I cannot believe that it was 28 January 2019 when I wrote this found poem as apart of the Concrete Poetry workshop at Bromley House Library, words taken from books in the collection of Alan Sillitoe’s library held there: