Poems in the Pipeline

March 21st 2024

As well as marking the first day of Spring, March 21st is now established as World Poetry Day – so a good day to dust off those poetry books, read a poem or two, have a go at writing one – or even sit back and read through a few of your own!

I had never written any poetry (and not a lot of prose) until moving to France 10 years ago and suddenly finding the inspiration, the peace and quiet and the necessary time to reflect and look around and appreciate the simple things... And what an amazing array of possible subjects and interests lay at my feet – in the immediate surroundings of house and garden, and during walks and cycle rides exploring the idyllic French countryside. I was left relatively undisturbed in my wanderings and soon found thoughts and observations translating into words and verse and my pen flowing quite easily – sometimes stories and poems would stem from passing ideas and comments, and at other times stimulated by a little sketch or painting (another favourite past-time that I discovered). I often coupled both verse and drawing together and compiled copious 'diaries' or journals of those years, gradually becoming more critical and selective of the material I chose to fill them. All very amateur but gave me much pleasure in creating a sort of pictorial history to look back on or even to share with my family on a rainy afternoon!

Since returning to England I've kept my pen reasonably busy – not so easy here with all the daily distractions – and have written a few more short stories plus added to my collections of poems.
Bust beware – year books, journals, holiday diaries, story and sketch books are gradually taking over drawers, cupboards and bookcases – maybe writing should come with a 'space warning' attached!

On this auspicious day, I'm including 3 of my 'French' poems, and accompanying illustrations (unpublished at the time of writing) to encourage and inspire readers to put pen to paper if they haven't already done so!

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