I like to write.

With a real pen and real paper.

I like to create.

When left to my own devices I can write for hours. I admit it is mostly drivel but sometimes there are little things that catch my eye. These are usually poems.

I have been reading over some of them this evening. I am suprised by how cross I appear to be - like little Chester, I sometimes appear to be very, very cwoss indeed!

What makes a good poem? My lovely short haired poet must know. I read poetry, in fact I am a big lover of poetry as many of you are no doubt aware. So how is it I have no idea what makes a good poem, other than at the level the kids are working. I can decide if it scans, if the imagery is mature and effective, I can spot rhythm schemes, rhyme schemes, lack of or use of puncutiation...but why do I not know if what I write when I am inspired is any good? Why am I not brave enough to send it off to publications in the way others are? I wonder if there will ever be a time when I say 'Hey, lovely short haired poet, have a read of this, tell me what you think'

My A Level English LIterature teacher sent hers off. She never told us, yet we apparently inspired some of them. I wish I had known at the time. I wish I could now congratulate her on her success. Our 'debates' over certain texts inspired me more than she will ever know. We had a somewhat tempestuous relationship but she introduced me to the Metaphysicals, to Margaret Atwood, to the idea that I could achieve whatever I wanted.