The Poetry Shop

Welcome, Poetry Lovers, to our new poetry emporium. Opening up bang next door to the Slagg’s Cafe, you’ll find everything you want in here! Even Mrs Slagg’s given it the Thumbs Up

As long as you buy one of her tea’s after, that is.

This fine emporium offers a vast array of poetry forms for the uninspired poet.

Be inspired by our bargain buckets

One to one consultations on the prompt poem

Or that timeless classic, the Diminishing Verse

Even Dobby’s in on the act, promoting her editing business.

Visit us now – two minutes from this theatre….

Thanks for tuning in, Poetry Lovers, and I look forward to seeing you real soon.

Poetry Handbag

Hello Poetry Lovers

Welcome to the Poetry Handbag. These bags are such a part of our lives that I think they should be featured. They are as close to our hearts as our written poems, and their contents contain so much of us.

The clever and wonderful poet, Trisha Broomfield, has penned a very poignant piece about these vital accessories and the handbags she has loved and lost. Don’t we all remember them? And ones that were not gained at all.

Do read on, it’s a lovely piece

Handbag Regrets

There was the tan bag my mum offered me but I declined

the real croc, snappy clasp, offered by an elderly aunt

but I declined

the suede patchwork with fringes

left that in the seventies

along with the long strap shoulder bag

with the Watney’s Red Barrel key ring

dangling from its tarnished loop

left behind too,

then there were the ‘I love the colour’ bags

the ‘go with everything’ bags

that never went with anything bags

the Italian bags bought with Lire

proper leather, brought out for ‘meetings’,

Zoom doesn’t call for handbags,

the summer white bag containing

a tiny purse

of your ashes

donated

too late, I remembered.

Trisha Broomfield 6th April 2021

Wasn’t that such a beautiful piece?! Stirring so many memories and ending with that sadness and loss. I often mourn the handbags of yesteryear. They still have the power to haunt you.

Any pieces bag-related are most welcome.

Thanks for tuning in, PL’s Watch this space for more poetry adventures.

Funny Poems…

Hello, Poetry Lovers

Today I’m presenting a humorous verse that actually rhymes. This form is not big with me but I thought it a nice pre-vaccine thing to do, (second jab tomorrow), and it might make Mrs Slagg smile, you never know. The poem, not the vaccine.

Do read on ….

Lacy Economics

I thought I knew your face,

I remember now who you are.

You had a red spotted tie,

and I wore a pink laced bra.

I recall the feel of your lips

upon my unsuspecting skin.

You asked me to lend you money,

and in your wallet you put it in.

I was bereft when you left me and

I ached all over for your touch.

My heart and purse went with you,

I want one of them back very much.

Hand it over, you tight bastard,

do Paypal or write a cheque.

Then I can walk away with pride,

without wringing your neck.

Gulp! Will this pass the Slagg’s audition? Will it appeal to Mrs Slagg? Who knows??

Thanks for tuning in, Poetry Lovers. I’ve got more poetry forms up my sleeve, same time, same channel….

Ovi Capers

Hello Poetry Lovers

I’ve been a bit behind this week. I’ve been so absorbed with the daily poetry tasks from the magical Poetixu Stucture Workshop led by the charming Dara Kalima, an amazing American poet and inspiration.

So, this is my stab at an Ovi poem an ancient Indian form. Of course, it’s all about me! What did you expect?!

Do read on;

I hope you liked that. My current task is writing a Ghazal. Wish me luck

Thanks for tuning, PL’s. Be back with more poetry antics same time, same channel…

The Kyrielle Affair

Hello Poetry Lovers

Well, I’ve jumped in at the deep end again and tried a new form of poetry.

This is day one of the amazing Poetixu Structure Workshop, and already my eyes have opened up. They offer wonderful courses to poets all over the world on Instagram. Thank you, Sharron Green, for getting me onto this great institution.

Anyway, I wrote this down just before bed last night. ( I don’t know what Dobby thought of that one! ). Then I spent most of the day trying to work out how to do this layout. (Thank you for your patience and help, Sharron).

Anyway, have a look, you might want to try this form too.

Interesting stuff, eh? We’ll be back with more poetry capers this week.

Thanks for tuning in, PL’s.

Dobby’s Poem….

Hello, Poetry Lovers

well, the lovely poet Sharron Green has written a beautiful acrostic for a certain feline we know as Dobby. It’s a lovely thoughtful piece, thank you so much, Sharron. Do read on

Dobby

Daintiest lady, poised and petite

Only accepts the best fish to eat

Black satin fur that shines in the sun

Bewitching eyes convey so much fun

You’re lucky that Heather’s your mum

Isn’t that a lovely piece? It’s also passed muster with Mrs Slagg, who, despite her formidable front, is mad on cats.

Hopefully, Dobby will agree with the last line although she’s yet to show any gratitude.

Look at more of Sharron’s lovely poems on

http://Rhymesnroses.com. Really worth a look.

Thanks for tuning in, PL’s. We’ll be back soon with more poetry antics ……

Sardines for Supper…..

Hello Poetry Lovers

Thought I’d put a nice summery picture on here from 2017.

I admit I’m not actually eating sardines there in that Regents Park Cafe, however, Trisha Broomfield’s marvellous piece Sardines for Supper brought them back to me so sharply.

It’s funny how these supposedly functional ways of living affect us. When I go to Tesco, I literally flock to their tinned mackrel, tuna and yes, sardines. Giving me mixed childhood memories about fish for tea. I loved it and hated it.

Not only that, we’ve all seen customers like this.

I found this poem poignant, vivid and that it said such a lot about us.

Sardines for Supper

Walking, tottering, muttering

wool hat wearing, trolley propping

raincoat sporting

Pavement parking, (two wheels on)

post office queuing,

Whispering, grumbling, mumbling,

short-sighted rummaging

Stacks of cans tumbling, split tomatoes

rolling in the aisles,

short change counting

‘I’m sorry I’m a penny short

read that for me will ya’ ducks?’

White faced, wrinkle clad

faded gazes, flat shoed, bunion toed;

in their baskets tinned soup, gold top milk

sardines for supper,

and a slab of chocolate to last the week.

I stand behind, count their items,

this is an express till!

I peer at labels, promise I will never be like that

rummage for my glasses,

complain that salmon has gone up

since last week.

My turn to place my purchases,

sardines for supper

and slab of chocolate to last me the week.

Trisha Broomfield 2011

Wasn’t that just terrific?! Thank you so much, Trisha. Such a moving piece. I’m afraid, however, you have set Dobby off

She is now expecting – you’ve guessed it – sardines for tea….

Thank you for tuning in, PL’s. We’ll be back real soon with more poetry antics

Interview …..

(Loud spontaneous applause as the host wafts on stage)

Now settle down,

(Security on standby)

as today we have the amazing artist and musician Lucinda Sieger

(Pandemonium as our esteemed guest elegantly descends the lighted stairs). ( Host bangs a ruler on the desk – there is a silence)

Lucinda, welcome to the show…..

Thank you very much for having me on your show, Heather. It is a great pleasure to be here with you, especially in these Globally challenging and historical times.

Oh I know! What an era! It’s a unique one, if nothing else.

Now, Lucinda, you come from an impressively musical and artistic background. Please fill us in…

Well Heather, it has been an amazing journey for me, through starting with singing in pubs in Glasgow, to performing solo when I came to London to study art.

I know, it’s been an incredible story so far for you.

(Awed applause from the audience)

Where to start?! How about telling us about the wonderful Lucie’s Lounge and the incredible talent you have featured there…

Lucie’s Lounge started through a conversation where I was introducing some friends to the Bloomsbury Tavern as a place for an after concert drink and as usual, I love connecting people, so they challenged me to do my own evening upstairs for three months only on the last Saturday so I could sing and entertain and connect people. All the things that I love.

That was 2014, and I realised that I always had soirées when I lived in a squat in Kings Cross, with artist friends such as Jill from Strawberry Switchblade, Peter Doig…. That probably was the seed for Lucie’s Lounge

And look how it’s grown! What an acorn. It’s funny how random things like conversations start something so wonderful. I do think its admirable how you champion other’s work. I saw your friend had written that on FB recently, and I agreed wholeheartedly.

Now I’m chomping at the bit to talk about the amazing Harriet, and to share this delectable creature with the world.

Harriet was conceived through writing a letter to the painter and composer Ahetas of Greek group XAOS, who is my partner and who is part of the “3 Places in Time” exhibition, but unfortunately due to Covid….

Harriet is my way of expressing myself and how I feel and my observations on daily life….

Harriet was a swoon at first sight for me. A charismatic and glamorous creature who takes on all life has to offer her.

Beautifully coloured and drawn, she’s taken on a new dimension. Yes, I can see how she is an extension of you….

Now, Lucinda, this is where I’m really excited. Please tell us about your wonderful exhibition 3 Places in Time at St Pancras Hospital? I have swooned over this….

This exhibition came about from my story. A few years back I had a pop up exhibition in my flat to show the art of Ahetas and a lovely Greek painter called Athena Barka.

Ahetas suggested I put up my drawings, so onto the kitchen cupboards they went. I invited Peter Herbert of TAP to come as I had performed at some of his exhibition opening. He came along and loved both the art of Ahetas and my drawings.

That was 2018 and years later, Peter had a dream and phoned me to say he had an idea. This was to have myself, Ahetas and an English portrait painter, Jane Allison, to show together.

The name 3 Places in Time was to describe three artists who all came out of the ‘80’s into this present time on different journeys.

(Awed and spontaneous applause)

Fabulous. It’s a wonderful and beautifully designed concept, Lucinda. I urge you all to go and see it.

Luckily, the exhibition has been extended to last through May. I have been twice now, and I cannot see it enough.

As you can see, I took Dobby with me, there’s a bit of sibling rivalry between her and Harriet.

Fantastic. So, Lucinda, do you want to tell us about any future projects?

Future projects, well I am excited to say, that through me trying to present the art of Ahetas, I got invited to appear on Hellenic TV and London Greek Radio to introduce Harriet, her debut, and talk about my art, my little video ‘Life is Art’, being on Top of the Pops, my career and of course, the exhibition.

Next up, I am working on a special Lucie’s Lounge that will be pre-recorded and have really lovely guests. Swedish, Japanese, English, Scottish…. and graphic comic artist Wallis Eates. I am working on a Harriet book, ideas and new songs.

(Huge applause)

Well, Lucinda, we’re breathless with admiration and anticipation. And in awe of your talent. Take a look at this wonderful video of an interview I did with Lucinda.

Well, Lucinda, you and Harriet must be off somewhere exciting tonight….

Oh yes, we’re off to an exclusive club. Dobby’s coming along, she kind of invited herself….

Oh no! Dobby always avoids mine! Well, have a lovely time you three, and thank you so much for coming on the show..

(Wild and rapturous applause as the three figures ascend the stairs. Security are nervous)

Wasn’t Lucinda just amazing, Poetry Lovers?! Please catch her at the 3 Places in Time exhibition, curated by the Arts Project,

at

The Conference Centre

St Pancras Hospital

St Pancras Way

London NW1 0PE

Surrey New Writer’s Festival Part Two …..

Hello Poetry Lovers

Welcome to Part Two of this terrific event. Well, what can I say about Nikita Gill and Instagram Poetry?

Chaired by Sharron Green, this amazing Instagram poet, Nikita gave us a fascinating session.

This talented writer, poet and playwright, read from her poetry collection Where Hope Comes From, born from the first lockdown of March 2020. These were disturbing, poignant and gentle pieces, including Good Blood, about moving and wise words from the poet’s mother. How this touched us all, our own mother’s voices in our memories.

Nikita discussed with Sharron how Instagram is such a great platform for poetry and how her followers grew overnight.

Nikita also shared her love of Greek mythology and her current play on this absorbing subject, and how she was influenced by late Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Mary Oliver. This was a very worthy hour, and I learnt a lot. Please come back soon, Nikita.

So many names were a part of this great event, masterclasses with Ruth Brandt, and Michael Donkor. Magical Realism Readings, with Julia Armfield, among other amazing writers. Headlined by Diana Evans, author of the highly acclaimed Ordinary People. Not to mention closing with a great open mic session with the wonderful Robert Kiely.

A great weekend, catch this festival next year. Hopefully it may be in ‘real life’ by then.

Thanks for tuning in, PL’s. We’ll be back with more poetry antics real soon….

Surrey New Writers Festival – Part One

Hello Poetry Lovers

Well, I had the time of my life at the Surrey New Writer’s Festival yesterday. Intricately planned, with a wide range of writing sessions.

I adored the Taster Session of Poetic Compaction (getting started with short form poetry). Beautifully opened by Sharron Green and an in-depth introduction of why short form poetry, we discovered the joys of Rob Kiely who ran the class.

Poet in residence at the University of Surrey and author of Incomparable Poetry: An Essay on the Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 and Irish Literature and Simmering of a declarative void, Rob, passionate about his art, really was compulsive listening.

As was Sharron, as this prolific poet took us through short forms such as haiku, Elfchen’s, and my favourites, nonet and acrostic’s. These have been previously featured as poetry challenges on Instagram, so I’ve had great fun with them already.

Rob gave us many amusing and fascinating examples of short form poetry, the ones that moved me were

University Days

This poem has been removed for further study

Read Me

Thanks

Amazing short and witty pieces by the late Tom Raworth. I certainly intend to read more of his work.

Rob explained the feeling for writing short pieces that leads to more weight, and what a democratic art form it really was.

Then Rob gave us a 10 minute exercise finding a seed word, and to use it at the beginning and the end in reverse. I didn’t really get there but this was my attempt;

The Sandwich Affair

I got a sandwich from the Co-op. 

Pastrami.  New York Deli Style. 

“But how do you know?”,

I asked the young assistant, 

“Have you ever been to New York?” 

She looked at me blankly, and

I was stunned how she could be 

so uncooperative. 

So I haven’t really gone by the rules but it was great fun anyway. Also luckily, I was tucking into a sandwich from the Co-op, so I really did have rich pickings.

We all had great fun reading them out, followed by a fascinating Q&A session chaired by Sharron.

One interesting question was the argument for rhyming form against free verse. The most important answer to this was of being true to yourself. A concept I have been thinking about. My poetry is quite slaggy and very undisciplined but I have been pondering the very same thing. It’s a part of who I am, so thank you for putting that into words for me.

Great class, had a super time. Thank you so much for that.

Now tune in soon for Part II where I feature the wonderful Nikita Gill.

Dobby sitting there trying to work out any remote concept in poetry! She’d rather have fish – another great art form.