Poet | Painter

You can find her work in:

Book Eight (2022)

1. Going to Knossos, p24

2. Rail workers not on strike, p42

3. A narrow gauge model railway exhibition, p42

4. Da da dee, dee d dee dee, p43

5. This time, p44

Book Nine (2023)

1. Mother's Funeral, p49

2. Train Travel, p48

Votes & Reviews:

V9 - Vote:

1. Probably - Nicole Paton

2. Phyllis calls from her door - Nicole Paton

3. Aroma of Garlic - Ruth Husband

V9 Review:

The ‘Book of Lived Volume 9’ is published by Penny Authors and is unusual in not placing the authors’ names next to their poems. You can find out who wrote what in the alphabetised index at the back. I think the idea is to encourage readers not to just go for the poets they know but to encounter new voices.

This year my two favourites are both by Nicole Paton. ‘Probably’ is one of them and although I cannot agree that ’Coventry is really a synonym for depression’, what with its marvellous cathedral and Zara Sultana it’s inspirational Labour MP, I think it’s a good poem. It vividly evokes a meeting with a man, it’s so idiosyncratic in detail that it surely must have happened.

The other one ‘Phyllis calls from her door’, has a similar experienced quality. Here it’s a moment of vitality brought about by an old lady singing. Both ring so true.

I will choose one more, by Ruth Husbands, ‘Aroma of Garlic’. A short poem- smells, sights and a sad memory of love- told so succinctly.

You can find her work in:

Book 10: (2024)

1. Hotel comfort p33

2. Why protest about Gaza? p45

3. D-day p58

4. Tango p59

Vote & Review:

1. Growing Old As One ‘by Zainab Khan

2. I See You ‘by Sabina Begum

3. Walls ‘ by Rob Kersey

4. I wanted to ‘ by Loretta Grey

5. Destiny Fulfilled’ by Sarah Turner

Reviews:

1. Growing Old As One - Zainab Khan - I don’t think anyone can escape some fear- but otherwise I like the picture this gives of one of those fortunate couples who meet when young and stay together as a loving pair.   

2. I See You - Sabina Begum - This makes me think of the all pervasive memories of my lovely husband who died six years ago.   

3. Walls - Rob Kersey - This poem reflects the ebb and flow of politics as some wrongs are mended and others committed. It ends with a hopeful plea for good action.  

4. I wanted to - by Loretta Grey - This expresses the unbearable missing of someone- in my case of my beloved husband who died.

5. Destiny Fulfilled - Sarah Turner - A romantic poem about love and joy expressed delicately.