A SPECIALLY commissioned anthology of North East poetry is set to be launched by the Northern Poetry Library.

‘Among Woods and Water’ is a collection of poems penned by Northern Poetry Library poets in residence and celebrates the region’s poetic legacy, and future.

The works also reflect the experiences of the poets in residence who have spent time with members of the public across the library’s native North East, working with the community groups to explore different poetic forms and encourage more people to create poetry.

 

The anthology features one original poem by each of the six poets and separate collaborative pieces devised by groups.

Lisa Matthews, the Northern Poetry Library’s lead poet in residence, said: “Among Woods and Water is a beautiful exploration of North East poetry. 

Our poets were commissioned to create pieces that speak about the region and most importantly the people who inspire all of the works in our library.

“This anthology is an important record of the communities they worked with, and their poetic experiences and feelings.”

Pieces in the anthology span a wide range of subjects from landscapes, identity, and mortality.

A series of live readings will help to launch the anthology in the North East.

The events include:​

• June 9, John Challis at Newcastle University Percy Building G.05 – 5-7pm
• July 7, Jo Colley and Lisa Matthews at Morpeth Library, The Chantry – 3:30pm
• July 12, Carolyn Jess-Cooke at Alnwick Bailiffgate – 7pm
• July 14, Degna Stone at Berwick Library – 2pm

 

More information about the anthology and the events programme can be found on the NPL’s new website http://northernpoetrylibrary.org.uk