Muck or Nettles

Been a busy few months, this is the first chance I’ve had to update my blog for ages… Thanks to everyone who came along to the Tangerine Press/Rising Poetry event Continue reading →

Some Dead Druid Lyre

Back in 1998 I listened to Julian Cope, reading from his latest book, The Modern Antiquarian, at a bookshop in Leeds. It was one of those chance readings that had Continue reading →

Water Bored

Lee Rourke’s new novel, The Canal, has really been quite a trip. It’s had this strange effect where it’s made loads of old memories resurface, every time I read the Continue reading →

Larkin’ Out

I have spent the past week in Hull, the city where most of my family are originally from. This time though it wasn’t a family visit, Dad has been in Castle Continue reading →

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

THINGS THAT HAVE MADE ME HAPPY THIS WEEK Kaushy’s spiced coconut pethis at Prashads vegetarian deli in Bradford – like green chilli fireworks exploding sherbert on my tongue The heartbreaking Continue reading →

Against The Grain

YOU USED TO SPEAK THE TRUTH BUT NOW YOU’RE CLEVER It’s that time of year again. The frosts have lifted, only just. The birds are optimistic. Shoots are pushing up Continue reading →

Mytholmroyd Haiku [10]

alone on the moors i chase the blood orange skies arms like iridescent wings Adelle Stripe, 2009 (from Cigarettes In Bed)

Close Your Eyes

LIKE NOWHERE ON EARTH Iceland is still my favourite place, after all these years. I close my eyes and pretend I’m in The Blue Lagoon everytime I climb into the Continue reading →

This Week

A WINTERTIME FAST I hope you appreciate the cheesy snowflakes on my blog. As the daughter of a farmer I am obsessed by the weather. I can’t help it. It’s Continue reading →