Tag Archives: poem

A Poet For Every Day of the Year By Allie Esiri

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A Poet For Every Day of the Year is an essential buy. The concept of this book is so clever: every day there is a new poet to discover. A biography of the poet and one of their poems is there to discover for every day of the year.

This book is gorgeous on the outside and just as gorgeous on the inside. Perfect for adults and children. I cannot recommend this well-researched and luscious book enough. Get your hands on a copy now.

Award-winning and bestselling poetry anthologist, ALLIE ESIRI has lit an explosion of interest in poetry, through her carefully curated anthologies and exciting live performances.

Allie’s books have sold over 250,000 copies in hardback

 

·       Her three poetry collections, A Poem for Every Day of the Year; A Poem for Every Night of the Year and Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year have been chosen as Books of the Year by The Times, The Observer and New Statesman and they have featured in the top five poetry titles every year since 2016.

 

·       Allie has been announced as the Chair of Judges for the CLiPPA Awards 2021, following in the footsteps of Michael Rosen and Roger McGough. She is also a judge for The Trussell Trust Food for Thought poetry competition 2021.

 

·       A Poem for Every Night of the Year had its best sales year in 2020 – five years after publication.

 

·       In 2020, THREE of the top ten children’s poetry titles were curated by Allie, though her books are enjoyed by all ages

 

Allie is the NUMBER ONE author across children’s poetry in 2021.

 

A Poet for Every Day of the Year, Allie’s newest anthology, is published by Macmillan Children’s Books. It introduces readers to 366 of the world’s greatest poets, juxtaposing diverse, exciting, vibrant new voices alongside the enduring giants of the form, with fascinating mini biographies of each writer.

 

The day-by-day format inspires readers to make poetry as much part of their daily routine as breakfast or bedtime. It encourages them to discover theinspirational, the life affirming, the provocative and the entertaining in each and every day.

 

“Allie Esiri’s books take you by the hand with poems to restore you and make your toes tingle, that will take you away for a little while and home again, with your spirits a little higher than before.”

Helena Bonham Carter

 

Allie Esiri, on her new anthology, A Poet for Every Day of the Year:

 

Poetry at its best has always enabled us to see different worlds, or rather, our own world differently, without ever having to leave our home. It has articulated our muddled thoughts, given a voice to the voiceless and lent an ear to the otherwise unheard. But most of the anthologies we have at our disposal seem to view poetry as an almost exclusively white, western, male craft, almost untouched by women or anyone from another background or ethnicity. I think now is the time to redress this.

In this book, you’ll not only find a great poem for every day of the year, but you’ll also learn about the life, times, and work of each poet, and discover connections between writers that transcend the established canon and chronology.

I hope readers of all ages and backgrounds will be inspired by the poets they find within this anthology. As the mother of mixed-race children, I’m especially and personally proud to present a book that represents them, and countless other diverse readers like them.

A POET FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR , poems, poets, books, Allie Esiri

Poets featured in A Poet for Every Day of the Year include:


Maya Angelou

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Brian Bilston

Eavan Boland

Lord Byron

William Carlos Williams

Lewis Carroll

Wendy Cope

Imtiaz Dharker

Georgia Douglas Johnson

Helen Dunmore

Bob Dylan

Louise Glück

Jackie Kay

Michael Rosen

Christina Rossetti

Stevie Smith

Ocean Vuong

William Wordsworth

 

 

 

ALLIE ESIRI is an accomplished curator and host of live poetry events, featuring some of our best-known actors – from Helena Bonham Carter to Dominic West – at the National Theatre, the Bridge Theatre, and major literary festivals.

 

She lives in London with her husband and three children.

The book is available here.

In the Corridor of a College Lodgings. A Poem By Annie Clarke | Uplifting Stories

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Who’s this?’ the lecturer asked my daughter.
She said, all bare midriff with tattoo peeping,
‘Only Mum. She’s carrying my plants,
helping to move me in.’
‘Hello, Mum,’ he said, not looking just brushing
the leaves as he passed.
It was a plant my daughter felt would make her room
look familiar, lived in. ‘Like you,’ she’d joked.
At her doorway I placed it in her arms,
but it was his bustling back I watched.
He turned this way and that
distributing greetings to other beasts of burden.
Not waiting for their replies, either.
I called, too loud perhaps. ‘My name is Margaret.
I usually wear stiletto shoes, and pink jackets,
when not camouflaged as a removal man.
I cycled off road across harsh terrain for charity. If you’d looked
You’d have seen highlights in my hair.
I belly dance and have a name.
My name, again, is Margaret.

‘Way to go, Mum,’ my daughter whooped
Up and down the corridor’s length and breadth
Plants and CD players were handed over.
Students were kissed with love. And left.
‘Yes, we have names,’ we all said.
As thoughts of achievements big and small
lent wings to trainers. ‘And places to go. And
lives to live.
Fashion statements to make, and parameters to break.

‘Goodbye, lecturer,’ we smiled, as we passed by.

National Poetry Day: Tigress Tigress Poem From What Do You Think?

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poetry, poetry book, poems, women authors, Scottish writers, poetry book, female writers,Happy National Poetry Day! To celebrate here is a poem from our editor Catherine Balavage’s new poetry book What do you think? A collection of poems. Enjoy and send us your favourite poems.

 

Tigress, Tigress.

She lies on the ground.

Silent as night.

Pouncing on her prey.

She gives it a fright.

Tigress, Tigress.

Don’t become extinct.

Tigress, Tigress.

What do you think?

When a hunter comes along,

What do you think?

She looks at her cubs.

Clear as day,

Some day they will have to go away.

She feels proud, keeps her head up high.

Tigress, Tigress.

Don’t become extinct.

Tigress, Tigress.

What do you think?

When a hunter comes along,

What do you think?

She closes her eyes.

Feels someone watching.

Ready for attack.

She puts her cubs to safety.

Tigress, Tigress.

What do you think?

Tigress, Tigress.

When a hunter comes along,

What do you think?

(I think this was the first poem I ever wrote. It was written in November of 1996 and I got a lot of positive comments about it. Along with a lot of encouragement. It was the start of everything and for that I am thankful).

Tigress Tigress is taken from What do you think? A Collection of Poems by Catherine Balavage. Available in ebook and print format now.

 

Moment of Despair by Jenny Falcon

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Moment of Despair by Jenny FalconpoemI know nothing of their lives

They know nothing of mine

I can try to imagine

They cannot even begin……

Big, beautiful beseeching eyes

Searching for comfort

Yearning without knowing it

For a life they will never have

Not without the love of parents,

Struggling to keep them alive

Beyond indignation, too tired

To question their destiny

Too hot, too cold, too hungry

No strength to play, to laugh

Just misery is the norm

How can this be? – what shame

Completely helpless I observe

Desperate to end their pain

Knowing with grim certainty

It would take a miracle

As Western life envelops

I know it can’t be right

The help that is in place

Will never ever be enough

I want to see them smile

Not in a newsreel pose

But with the joy of a child

Carefree, hopeful, cherished

I want them all to know

They have done nothing wrong

The world does not condemn

Their fragile innocence

CHRISTMAS PAST & PRESENT by Jenny Falcon

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The lights garnishing the tree twinkle

Peeping out from amongst the shiny baubles

Dotted between the dark green pine branches

The sparkling ornaments, the foil wrapped chocolates

 

The olive trees stand still, silent, protective

Lit by the myriad stars, one shining extra brightly

The leaves gently flutter, quietly applauding

Sensing their privileged position by the stable

 

The street is full of noise and colour

Crowds bustling in and out of bulging shops

Carols playing, children squeaking with excitement

Preparations reaching a festive crescendo

 

Inside the stable, it is peaceful

The donkey, a little restless, hooves muffled by the straw

Knows this day he’s carried a special load

His big brown eyes watch in awe

 

Supermarket tills are working to exhaustion

Trolleys groan under the weight of Christmas fare

Pyramids of goods, demolished in seasonal frenzy

Unbelievable quantities, gratuitous excess

 

The inn keeper offers some bread and gruel

He has little to spare, the inn is full

He promises a lad will milk the cow

To give to the young mother, cradling the infant

 

The smell of roasting turkey, goose or beef

Mixes with the rich wafts of Christmas pudding

Mince pies, crouching in their crisp pastry coats

And spicy cinnamon immersed in the mulled wine.

 

The hay spread thickly on the earthen floor

Smells sweet, though slightly damp

Wood smoke blows through, just gently

As the door to the inn opens and closes

 

Guests arrive, parcels are placed under the tree

Fascinating shapes, brightly wrapped and ribboned

Soon to reveal the secrets within

Leaving forlorn piles of discarded, crumpled paper

 

 

Shepherds shuffle in, sheep trot behind

The Wise Men, majestic, mysterious offer their gifts

The new parents, happy but bewildered, smile their thanks

The baby, focus of all attention, sleeps on

 

 

Easter by Gem Blaney | Poetry Corner

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easterbunnyphotocredit-wikipediaEaster, by Gem Blaney: Gem is a talented young poet from the West Country. Frost asked her to write about Easter especially for us. Here it is:

A man rises;
not from slumber,
but from days of death
behind two stones.

His human body was no longer
still, on a bed of concrete
skin tinted blue,
lips with no breath to pass through.

See modern world
dressed up as a hare
hiding shells of chocolate
for children to find.

Voices squealing, bellies aching,
church bells ringing
forcing the past
back onto the present.

Unintentionally, but successfully
with each generation,
the fascination with egg shaped sweets
overcomes the past.

Bank holiday Monday,
adults sighing and bank accounts stretching
hot cross buns, chocolate and animal shaped snacks
because it’s easter easter easter.

A Christian holiday
for those who believe
in the dead man who rose
and shifted two stones

For children today it’s another
‘off school’ to celebrate.
It is not their fault,
they don’t understand it’s about a profound mystery.

Not a day as grandiose as Christmas
(a man’s birth)
this is a man dead and reborn–
Surely more earth moving than chocolate eggs

Don’t you think?

The Flower Poem by Krystal Volney

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flowerpoempicture1

Flower so bright,
Flower so new.
Why does the humming bother you?
Spending your time, wishing you knew.
Speak with honour.
Stand with dignity.

Suppose the humming stopped humming,
what say you?
Trees look down on you and say nothing.
Let your nectar stay sweet and let the sun delight in your fashion.
The wind blows alone but it feels your presence.
Its spirit feels the fluster of your petals.
Trying to grasp onto one. Just one.
Till it realizes that you stand firm.

flowerpoempicture2 flowerpoempicture3 flowerpoempicture4

Your leaves whisper sweet nothings,
proclaiming your fun and varying colour.
Pretty with no inside jollifies the leaves when falling down.
Don’t let whispers tell your time for they too want to see you fall.
The branches watch everything with intentions of mocking you.
They too want to see everything falling, leaves and all.
They see it fit to stand out in front of everything.
When the rain falls, they laugh to see you drained.
They dry faster more than anything.
But don’t wilt flower.
Flowers are meant to stay beautiful.

KrystalVolney_photoTalking about the poem: (The explanation & extended thought)
It refers metaphorically to individuals (both women and men) that are seen as the flower (with radiant petals and nectar).

The green leaves are filled with chlorophyll(that illustrate envy) and are split typically into two halves on the leaf & as well as the back and front of the leaf meaning two-​faced people with lines on them relating to compliments (envious persons).™ Green in this scenario demonstrates envy although the colour green in other cases symbolizes learning, growth and harmony.

“Pretty with no inside” can be elucidated through comprehending that each society has a different view of what is “pretty” poetically such as the Padaung Hill Tribe (women) or fitness (men) because there are multifarious species of flower on the earth. Without an inside representing nectar after the hummingbird has taken away the nectar or tried to sabotage the flower, the leaves become jollified as the seasons change.

The green leaves are jollified when the flower has no inside which displays the change from green to red & yellow colour in autumn at the time of leaf fall, emblematic for happiness, power and enlightenment.™ The branches deal with those who are rough in mentality & ruthless who are not blown away by beauty, (often attracting & entertaining friends such as snakes that coil and wrap around them). The trees express older and more ‘mature’ individuals who have been existent for centuries( stressing on the maturity and experience) or in decades (human life expectancy with experience at hand). The ‘humming’ refers to the sounds of the humming bird which is metaphorical IN POETRY & in this particular situation for people who are ‘haters’ connoting that the flower has both outward beauty & sweet nectar (sweet interior representative in the world for flair, talent, great personality or just in general something good about them based on perception); there will be envy expected, fuss and gossip as well in society because of its reputation. The drama!!! The humming bird goes by most flowers as most have nectar. The wind deals with the cold-​hearted and lonely people in the world that desire to feel the energy of the petals. The flower is often mocked by the branches because flowers are present everywhere around the planet. The leaves are always whispering and hoping that the flower will fall as well.

However, in the end it ought not fall apart. The sun is the star of the solar system delighting in the fashion of the flower and its poise in Spring.

(This was the first poem written in the year 2010).

© 2010 Krystal Volney

 

 

Ode To Azerbaijan by Jenny Falcon

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Firstly ‘Where? followed swiftly by ‘Why?’
Was how conversations began
When we told our family and friends
We were off to Azerbaijan.

‘Why not?’ we said, ‘it’s different
A World Heritage site indeed
So off we went, an intrepid four
To see what we could see.

Our destination was Baku
A five and a half hour flight
Our boutique hotel in the Old Town
Near all the notable sights.

Azerbaijan-Baku-steps-leading-away-from-Fou ... Square-to-statue-of-Nizami-tweaked-2-BG

The first day, locally we explored
Cobbled streets, lots of steps, lovely sun
A wide promenade by the Caspian Sea
Very old; stunning new; oh what fun.

Second day, off with our guide Yassim
Gloopy mud volcanoes to see
Followed by ancient petroglyphs
From many years B.C.

 

A different guide for our next trip
Fire Mountain and Fire Temple, too
Where flames have burned non-stop
Over 2,000 years, yes it’s true.

Another day walking round Baku
Up close to the Flame Towers so tall
Martyrs Alley, with graves of Azeris
Who when fighting the Russians did fall.

Baku’s a very clean city
Much money is there being spent
Smart shops, parks, hotels and museums
To attract tourists is their intent.

We always enjoy an adventure
New sights, sounds and culture to learn
And this trip was no exception
If asked, we would surely return.

Frost would love to receive more poetry. Contact Margaret: frost@margaret-graham.com