I quite like quirky news stories and go looking for them in newspapers whether in print or on-line. It is a diversion from the endless tsunami of bad news to which the media frequently flocks.  There is gold to be found among all that negativity. We just need to bring our keen observer's eye. I urge poets of all ages to strike out as text detectives in search of the unconventional and unusual, the wacky and the weird.  The recent story of the diver who was swallowed and then spat out by a humpback whale is one such amazing story.  I  make sure to keep these stories in my notebook for later reference. This story regarding attempts re-introduce beavers to urban London caught my eye immediately. It has also allowed me to revisit the Triversen poem structure. Beavers Are Returning to Tottenham   After some considerable time away Beavers are returning To inner London.   The fair folk of Tottenham Want them back Living wild and free.   Th...

When the Covid Pandemic spread across the world, I began a number of projects as a reaction to some of the pessimism that arose within my community and beyond. I became inspired by the incredible creativity that also arose at this time in various parts of the world. Some great diversionary tactics were called upon to stop a predictable descent into darker places.  I felt a need to act. One of my Projects was The Poet Tree which I have previously documented. I started this project in August 2020. At that time I decided to post a poem on a large eucalypt tree in the reserve directly behind our house. We are able to access this greened space via a gate. Every day people walk  along this greened, open area with their dogs, children, friends. The idea I had in mind was to share a short poem sprinkled with humour and optimism in the hope it would lift the collective spirits- mine included. Occasionally, other poets attach poems to the tree. I have also received feedback in the form...

I was introduced to the Clunker Exchange by fellow poet, Linda Mitchell. Linda shared a list of lines she considered 'clunkers' (lines of poetry that didn't quite work for her or 'click seamlessly into place).  Linda invited her readers to take one or more of those lines and see if they could make something of those  clunkers . She was also willing to accept one of our own clunkers in exchange for one of those on her list. So I selected one and left one in return. I am not going to reveal the exact clunker I lifted from Linda's list, but I am more than happy to share the poem I have made in which the line now rests. Happily I hope... Some Ground Rules   Sometimes the rules are laid down Carved in stone, Inflexible, Absolute, And quite unforgiving -Trust and obey for there’s no other way Sometimes the rules appear open to interpretation The umpire’s call, The magistrates merciful whim. Sometimes the rules Are there to keep us in Sometimes ...

Recently dug out and reread some anthologies dealing with the theme of school life.  'Please Mrs Butler' Allan Ahleberg, 1983 'Heard It In the Playground' Allan Ahlberg, 1989 'Everything All At Once' Steve Camden, 2018 I personally have written a number of poems dealing with this theme across the years, but not enough to consider a themed anthology.  So it prompted to write some more. Maybe, just maybe,  it might morph into a future poetry project. The idea of a themed anthology appeals... Here's a recent addition to my collection.  Friday, Last Period Friday afternoon Last period Biology With Mr Mendel He’s talking about natural selection And the length of a giraffe’s neck -don’t think his words are getting through though… The classroom is filled with the heavy air of a steamy afternoon Hot and close We sit here waiting for the bell to put us out of our misery The sweet call of a yum-yum weekend is calling to us Looking around I noti...