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(unpublished at the time of writing) to encourage and inspire readers to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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