Heather Moulson

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,

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.

Surrey New Writer’s Festival…

Hello Poetry Lovers

I am so excited about this event next weekend. Fabulous guests and masterclasses, plus taster sessions like Teaching Your Character to Talk, and An Introduction to Short Form Poetry. There is a talk by poet and playwright, Nikita Gill, among many other treats. All classy material.

The lovely poet Sharron Green is also organising this great event. Look Sharron up on http://Rhymesnroses.com

These are some of the wonderful things being featured;

I’m looking forward to Ruth Brandt and the open mic session on Sunday night, where I’m doing a 5 minute spot.

For more information and tickets go to http://Surreynewwritersfest.com. Or look them up on Facebook or Instagram. Or Sharron Green on rhymes_n_roses.

Thanks for tuning in, PL’s. I hope to see you at the Festival.

We’ll be back with some poetry antics real soon…..

The Return of the Poetry Basket….

Isn’t it great to see The Poetry Basket return?! And don’t you love looking in it? Well, today it contains Outside In, a wonderful new pamphlet from talented poet Polly Bull. And we know what comes next, don’t we? A review of this intriguing collection… read on…

Outside In by Polly Bull

Well, I’ve come across an exciting new publishing label called Wordville.

A promising press to look out for. Not only that, Wordville has brought out a vibrant collection from talented poet, Polly Bull.

I have had the privilege of seeing Polly perform at Celine’s Salon and Chip Martin’s Speakeasy. An insightful experience and highly recommended.

Titled Outside In, this classily designed book gives us an elegant collection of twenty poems. In memory of the poet’s father, we’re taken into the intimacy of family life. Greeted by Cheese Course, a sharp and detailed picture of family rituals. These are tableau moments that we all look back on, and the poet has clearly put this over.

My personal favourite is Senseless, because we truly see a child’s perspective and loneliness of parents being absent. Inside Outside, is a thoughtful reflection of family and eternal memories. We are drawn into the natural atmosphere of this piece.

Bedsit Belongings is absorbing due to the vivid detail and things we accumulate and live with and barely regard. The last line I yearn for the sound of other people coming home strikes a painful chord of loneliness.

Falling Awake is full of irresistible images, with the alluring tinge of optimism. Unkind Flowers, a four lined piece that says volumes in its subtext, moves us with its edginess.

There is a poignant tribute to Olive Sabina Gifford Bull that draws us into mothers, grandparents and the talents and abilities that die out with our loved ones. Yet they can be so painfully recalled. Extraordinarily moving. Details such as the loud, clackety typewriter and the kudos of a detached house are to be treasured.

A sincere and moving collection tightly worded in an elegant book. Seriously worth a look.

Treat yourself to Polly’s collection now – available from Amazon.co.uk and Pollybull.org

I hope you enjoyed the Poetry Basket’s reappearance, tune in soon for more poetry antics…….

My Agent

Hello Poetry Lovers,

Isn’t this an intriguing title?! And don’t we all dream of having a hot agent routing for us? I always imagine them to have big cigars and tied to two (proper) phones like Robert Evans or Lou Grade. And in my case, shake my hand at the end of a performance giving me their gilt-edged card.

So, the lovely and talented poet, Trisha Broomfield has penned a beautiful piece called My Agent. Our complete ideal of a classy representation. Do read on

My Agent

My agent will be tall and dark

My agent will have flair

Like John Steed he’ll be special

Be smooth and debonair.

My agent will be courteous

My agent will be rare

Like Illya Kuryakin (although he was blonde)

He’ll have amazing hair

My agent will be stoic

Be brave and do or dare

And much like Simon Templar

Disarm with just a stare

My agent will be handsome

He’ll seemingly not care

Resembling 007

A sardonic smile he’ll wear

He won’t be Austin Powers

He won’t appear all bare

He won’t be Johnny English

My goodness what a pair

She may be Marta Hari

Or Cathy Gale so fair

whoever will be quite convinced

I am the new Voltaire!

Trisha Broomfield 2021

Wasn’t that just a dream piece?! And the core of our fantasies. And Illya Kuryakin! Wasn’t he wonderful?!

Well, hold on in there, we could still be discovered by these golden people.

Thank you so much, Trisha. A wonderful poem.

Tune in real soon, PL’s, where we’ll have the return of the Poetry Basket and a hot review.

The Handbag

Hello Poetry Lovers

Today, I’m going to feature a (very loose) sonnet called Handbag. A vital part of our lives, and the things we share with it.

Now, I realise women poets will identify with this more than you men, however, I believe man bags are all the go now, so you can still be drawn in.

Handbag

Today my handbag is lime green,

a subscription gift from My Weekly.

My first ever one was cream coloured,

with an elegant long chain.

Bought for twenty shillings at a local shop.

I can still smell the leather emporium.

Luxurious, expensive and my only visit.

The bag contained my Mum’s old lipstick

At eleven, there was nothing else to put in it.

I once had a fiddly clutch bag that I

danced around at the disco, holding

pound notes for the cab fare home.

When this one goes, I’ll replace it

with a Happy Shopper bag.

Heather Moulson 2021

I hope you liked that short piece, PL’s. It can be an absorbing subject as we put half our world in these things. So personal and intimate. Any bag pieces, do send them along…

Thanks for tuning in, Poetry Lovers. We’ll be back real soon……

Memory Corner….

Happy Easter, Poetry Lovers. Two days away from those chocolate eggs……..

However, put them aside for now, and get in the DeLorean as we drive to 18th March 2019 for a fabulous Dempsey & Windle launch at The Poetry Cafe.

I would say 2019 was definitely my year as a poet and that this was the swinging start

This is my wonderful and first pamphlet, Bunty, I miss you!

I was so proud as my lovely friends came to support me, and I was happy to share my poetry with them….

The ambience in that small arena was palpable and everyone rooted for each other. Among the other pamphlets being launched was the talented David Cooke and his absorbing ‘Reel to Reel’ collection.

I was very proud to have my first pamphlet published by Dempsey & Windle AKA the fabulous Donall and wonderful Jan.

They’re very select about the work they accept, so I felt very privileged. The joy of having your work published is something hard to describe for the uninitiated, but it’s such a unique sense of achievement.