Sample Poems

I gravitated from stories to poems during the parenting years when family duties meant making do with mere snippets of writing time.

I could also work on a poem while stirring a risotto or cheering on my children from the sides of courts and pitches.

Note: All the poems herein have been published. The name of each publication appears when you click on ‘continue reading’. ‘Publications’ on the main menu provides journal details and links to the editions housing my poems.

STRANGE BUT INEVITABLE POETIC TRUTHS

A favourite tactic: try not to be yourself. This involves courageous leaps: What would a child do here? A scientist? A pig called Napoleon?

IF I HAD BEEN GWENDOLYN BROOKS

We real cool. We lap pool. We private school. We Moet. We repartee. We gold star.

BUTTER ME UP

I like butter, I want it
but the butter’s too hard
too soft, too salted, too French.

CLIMBING CLIFFS WITH THE REAPERS

If Aaron falls from the low crux
he breaks a leg. Any higher will bring 
the reapers. He manages the tricky move
and commits to the steep arête.