My earliest memory of writing poetry was when I was in Grade 4. I wrote a poem about springtime. That day we all wrote poems about springtime because that was the expectation back then. That was writing as we knew it back. Teachers handed out the topic and the genre and we the young and inexperienced writers, dutifully responded. I recall my classmates liking my written efforts and suggesting I share my poem with our teacher, Mr Manzie. So, I took their advice and Mr Manzie liked my poem too. He invited me to share it with the class. When I read the poem aloud to the class their reaction was to clap in appreciation. This was a totally new experience. All these years later, I cannot recall the actual words of that ancient poem. They have long vanished. However, I have never forgotten the feelings that washed over me knowing other people enjoyed my written composition, my humble poem. The reaction to my poem ignited a spark energizing me to continue writing poetry, to persist...

Pleased to announce two of my poems will be appearing in the upcoming edition of 'Spelt.' Spelt is a UK magazine celebrating poetry and the rural experience.  The magazine celebrates experiences in the natural world and aims to encourage children's participation in wild, slightly untamed places. I'm all for that.  Today, I am sharing a couple of other poems with connections to the environments in which we wander and explore. Night Sky On The Gibber Plain Standing next to an artesian bore In the Simpson desert Looking across the gibber plain at night A carpet of small stones Reminiscent of snow under the moon's generous spell Stretches into the endless heartland  beneath intense reflected light The only sound that registers Is my own soft, breathing. Far removed from the city lights The neon flashes, -the constant noise, And gritty air, The stars of the night sky Shone with unrestricted intensity A sparkling star garden of luminous light Mesmerising beauty in a remot...

  This poem took exactly a year to write! Well, let me explain. I started writing it in the month of August and was having trouble finding a suitable ending, so I put into a folder of unfinished poetry pieces. Almost a year to the day, I stumbled across it again and immediately knew the words I wanted to use. The problem had resolved itself. It serves as a clear example of why writers need to distance themselves from their writing occasionally. A little distance provides a clearer appreciation of the words. Sometimes it's good to let your words marinate a little. Maybe not a whole year, though! Sneaker Look Discarded sneakers Scuffed and mangled Laces frayed Twisted Tangled Both lay rejected by the door They’ll not see action any more No more housing smelly socks Running Leaping Scrambling rocks The sole is smooth Colour faded Worn out, torn out Dejected Jaded And worst of all On each sad shoe Is a giant hole Where a toe pokes through Their value has at last diminished Sad to say T...

It was BOOK Week in Australia last week and while Covid tried its hardest, it couldn't dampen our collective spirits for books and all things literate.  So, while I couldn't visit schools in person,  I was able to contribute and be part of the celebrations with on line sessions reading poetry and presenting a range of poetry forms for young poets to try for themselves. I read some poems from my books and also presented some more recent poems- freshly made, still warm!  The idea was to share the good news that ideas for poetry are all around us. Anything can become the focus of our poetic attention. We must try to become observers and curious explorers! Here are three of my latest poems about a range of matters.  Poems that have bubbled up while trying to remain creative in these Covid times.  Hope you enjoy them... It is once again Poetry Friday and our host this week is Heidi Mordhorst   at ' My Juicy Little Universe .' Heidi's post focuses on a number of ...

New VIDEO, Read Aloud of the poem- ' Summer Comes Rushing' taken from my most recent anthology, ' What The Poemster Found.' Enjoy...

This week I'm focusing on food. Well, not just this week, if the truth be known.  Food is a universal theme in our respective lives and a favourite topic for writers and poets.  I love cooking and as a consequence have written extensively about all things culinary. When we know a subject well, it tends to feature strongly in our writing frame.   For me food is a continuing theme for my poetry. Sometimes it features in reflective tones, but at other times I have an inclination to  indulge in a bit of food fun. Here are three poems concerning food related matters. A poetic snack, an appetizer for you to enjoy. I urge you, fellow poets, to serve up some foody, flavoursome words... SOMETHING SIMPLY GRUESOME Something simply gruesome  Is sitting on my plate I can't identify it It's simply far too late Something really gruesome Is pretending it’s my dinner With a shape and smell Straight from hell -It's not a dinner winner Something quite obnoxious Is waftin...

Poets have long called upon the topic of animals to focus their thoughts upon. Meaning is directed towards animals, turning them into symbols or caricatures and linking them directly to the confines of human culture.  Animals have their own unique identities, and these traits have always proven irresistible to poets. Poetry through its great variety of forms and its broad scope has willingly embraced the notion of animals to cross, blur, and reimagine these interconnected worlds. Occasionally poets write individual poems concerning animals and sometimes animals fire imagination sufficiently for poets to create an entire anthology of verse related to animals.  An enduring favourite of mine since childhood is 'Five Eyes' by Walter de la Mare. I love how the reason for the title is revealed in the final line. The poet expertly captures the contest between the cats and the mice. Five Eyes by Walter de la Mare   In Hans' old Mill his three black cats Watch the bins for th...

I am very pleased to announce the release of my third poetry anthology- What The Poemster Found -poems from places poets roam' The poems in this new collection capture real-life experiences while exploring past events and numerous small moments. Among the poems gathered inside the pages of this anthology, I light heartedly reflect upon the untimely death of Brutus the Budgerigar. I also share some  wheel  bad news, the ride of the sky witch, the sad tale of Norman Neets, some secret conversations around a kitchen table, and all the reasons why science rocks. This is just the start of a joyful jaunt through the places poets roam. What The Poemster Found does deliver some fun verse hopefully providing  a rollicking journey through the far reaches of this poet’s inspiration. However, I have also tried to balance the humour with some quite deliberate attempts to provoke thought about issues, for as Nikki Grimes, American poet said so importantly: 'Children are emot...