Poetry Page and News

On Saturday I was honoured to read at the launch in Caffi Soar, Merthyr of two new poetry books published by The Seventh Quarry, Weaving Yarn by Jonathan Richards and Porlock Revisited by Christopher Norris. As this was also a meeting of the RED POETS organised by the wonder Mike Jenkins I felt this new poem, The Second Coming, was suitable for an airing. I apologise for the sound quality (you might need to turn the sound quite high) and the expletive at the end (but felt that was justified).

Had an inspiring Wednesday evening (10 December), talking with three delightful and insightful MA students from the West University of Timisoara in Romania.

Thanks to the wonderful Eliza Filimon, Associate Professor of English literature, film and literary translation and Director of the MA Programme The Theory and Practice of Translation at the University, and poet John Elliot for inviting me to be part of this project.

I spoke with the students about translating two of my poems into Romanian, both of which will feature in my forthcoming book to be published earlier next year by fabulous The Seventh Quarry.

Their perceptive questions showed a deep understanding and appreciation of both the two poems and poetry in general.

The translated works will be published in the 4th anthology in the Cross-Currents series (Mosaique Press).

It’s hugely exciting to talk about the work in this way, how language can both preserve and adapt, and I now have a better understanding of the translation process.

Poetry is particularly tricky to translate, needing to try and keep form, meter, word choice, alliteration and all the other linguistic curve balls the form throws your way, but I know my work is in very safe hands.

The project includes some amazing poets and I was honoured to take part.

Thanks again to all of those involved.

Had an inspiring Wednesday evening (10 December), talking with three delightful and insightful MA students from the West University of Timisoara in Romania.

Thanks to the wonderful Eliza Filimon, Associate Professor of English literature, film and literary translation and Director of the MA Programme The Theory and Practice of Translation at the University, and poet John Elliot for inviting me to be part of this project.

I spoke with the students about translating two of my poems into Romanian, both of which will feature in my forthcoming book to be published earlier next year by fabulous The Seventh Quarry.

Their perceptive questions showed a deep understanding and appreciation of both the two poems and poetry in general.

The translated works will be published in the 4th anthology in the Cross-Currents series (Mosaique Press).

It’s hugely exciting to talk about the work in this way, how language can both preserve and adapt, and I now have a better understanding of the translation process.

Poetry is particularly tricky to translate, needing to try and keep form, meter, word choice, alliteration and all the other linguistic curve balls the form throws your way, but I know my work is in very safe hands.

The project includes some amazing poets and I was honoured to take part.

Thanks again to all of those involved.

I am delighted to have a second poem published in the wonderful Seventh Quarry Press literary journal (after having my first, In the beginning was the word, in issue 42).  This time the poem is Birdwatching, written in memory of my dad who passed in 2023, and this makes it even more special – dad would have been proud too.

I was delighted to announce that my poem, Notes From A Transported Convict,  won the prestigious 2025 International Poetry Competition.

The competition was judged by poet Mike Jenkins who stated, “This outstanding poem immediately drew me in, not primarily because of its almost ship-shaped stream of consciousness, but the world of the convict’s mind it creates so vividly. It is guttural and visceral, with no room for sentiment. It is intense with sounds and descriptions taking you from street to boat to strange shore, summoning the tortuous life of its subject.”

The poem will feature in my new collection, Anchor & Wing, to be published by The Seventh Quarry Press in 2026.

2025 was an overwhelmingly exciting year for my writing.  Erimos received some wonderful reviews from readers (thank you all!) and I was lucky to appear at a series of literary festivals including Aberystwyth Poetry Festival,  The Edge Festival in Solva and Llangwmlitfest. I cannot believe how the book has taken off and it has also resulted in me having my next book (a collection of poems entitled Anchor & Wing) preparing to be published in early 2026 through the renowned Seventh Quarry Press (huge thanks to Peter Thabit Jones for all his support and belief in me as a writer). After many years of scribbling and wishing, the dream is finally coming true.