Looking At Clouds

I started the year with positivity. I invested in myself and in my poetry. My Mum had given me some Christmas money and I spent it on some mentoring. I attended a couple of online workshops, which helped focus me and then signed up to be mentored: 6 poems over a number of months, editing backwards and forwards. It was an interesting process. I can’t say I’m ecstatic about the poems I worked on, or that they’re in any way ‘perfect’, but the process was interesting and has taught me a little more about myself and how I work. It helped focus my mind and boost my confidence. If you’re looking for a boost or a bit of support, I would definitely recommend seeking out someone who you feel you could work with.

Alan Parry

of Broken Spine Arts, Matthews Smith from Black Bough and

Wendy Pratt

all offer these services and I can personally recommend them. There are, of course, lots and lots of people out there offering various services for writers, but check out their credentials and that they’re on a wavelength that you can work on.

I mentioned a flight with my Mum on a note the other day and this is the poem I referenced. I’m still not entirely happy with it, but like the clouds, it’s forming and takes a different shape on different days. Do let me know what you think in the comments.

Reading the Sky

(Dedicated to my Mum, Doreen, who can no longer see the clouds)

You taught me
cloud watching

and stargazing,
how to pinpoint the panoply
of cookie cutter stars or 
net the chalk moon 
in its waxing, waning, 
its ever-wandering.

Casting for clouds 
was more imaginary -
you'd see a dog, 
l'd see a bear 
you'd see a pirate, 
a frog, 
a palm tree
and I'd gaze in awe, 
marvel
at your patience, 
your wonder 
with the ordinary,
at you, in your busyness, 
taking time out 
to read the sky 
with me.