We’re excited to share some uplifting stories from members of our Spread the Word poetry group in Rotherham! We have asked them to share their thoughts on their journey into poetry, what inspires them, and why they chose to join this community.
Our next interview features Frank, who shares his story and inspiration.
What inspired you to start writing poetry/ join this group?
I started writing poetry on joining the Army as a junior Soldier aged 15. The culture shock! I just sat on my bed in an empty Barack room and started putting words on the page. That was the first thing I wrote, it’s called “Transition (From Boy to Man)”
As for joining this group, that was down to attending the open mic at the Wath Tap. I have known Ray Hearne for many years but hadn't seen him for years, that’s when I met you, Vic.
The group is very different to what I’m used to and that’s good you have already expanded my experience. The fact that you'll start with free write is a brilliant start. You inspire me by reading something or pointing something out, which pre-empts me to write something. I'm with you. I'm writing things I wouldn't sit down and write.
You have me out of my comfort zone which is always a good thing, and I hope it has advanced my writing.
Can you share the story behind one of your favourite poems you’ve written?
Lots, of stories, I tend not to explain my poems as I want the reader/ listener to interpret them for themselves to find their own meanings. I wrote a poem that turned out to be a sonnet, about a distinct memory of visiting my grandmother's house with my sister. It was very detailed and accurate. When I shared it with my family they were confused as my grandmother died before I was born, I never knew any of my grandparents.
How has being part of this poetry group influenced your writing?
It has taken me out of my comfort zone, made me think about things differently. I am a spontaneous writer. An idea forms in my head travels down my arm into a pen, puts ink on paper and hay presto a poem is born. This group has made me think about the subject and work out how to turn it into a poem. I have an aversion to overthought poetry (academic, heartless, “look at me, I'm good at this”). I hope my poetry comes from the heart and has a skeleton of all the knowledge and experience that I have developed over the years.
I also appreciate sharing my work and inviting others to tell me what they think about it. I'm dyslexic, so I find it really valuable others noticing things that I haven’t and suggesting changes.
What themes or topics do you find yourself most drawn to in your poetry?
Nature, personal experience, politics. Nature makes me happy, it's so vast and I'm lacking in knowledge about it so it’s all fascinating. Personal experience, love hate, loss - the usual things. I’m a very empathetic person, I care about the plight of others. Politics, love, hate, loss, but mainly the stupidity of it all.
Who are some of your favourite poets, and how have they influenced your work?
Ah, a difficult question, can I phone a friend? I'm not a good reader of anything really, I don’t read for pleasure but for knowledge. Initially, knowing nothing about poetry it was Spike Milligan. His “Small Dreams of a Scorpion” is one of my treasured possessions. As for real poets, nobody stands out. I'm fascinated with the life, times and poetry of Edward Thomas. I'm a bit of a local expert, I have given talks on him. The attraction is personal I see things in his life, his struggles that I identify with.
Can you describe your writing process? Do and you have any specific rituals or routines?
I can write at the drop of a pin and have a poem written in no time at all. A sentence overheard, something visually impressive, anything can plant a seed. I just tend it and see what it grows into. Sometimes it’s a mighty oak, sometimes a damp squid.
My writing time is early morning when I have time to myself, with a couple of cups of tea. Sometimes with music, sometimes with silence, I don’t like to be disturbed. At the moment, its 08:51 and I'm listening to King Crimson so this could go anywhere!
How and where do you find inspiration to write?
As above, any time, any place, any subject. I don’t write every day. I don’t have a need to write, I'm not prolific and if a poem does not appear it‘s OK. I never overwork a poem, it ether is a fully formed poem or its aborted.
What role do you think poetry/creative writing plays in society/ in Rotherham today?
Insight. I think a lot of my poetry provides insight and reflection and I hope poetry, as a whole, can provide that for others. A lot of my stuff recently has ended with, like, something prophetic and I write words to make you think. I'll lead you down a garden path and then smack you in the face or something. It’s from the heart poetry.
We need creative writing groups (like this one) that have got some resources behind them because if a writing group keeps going that is what allows it, and the members of the group, to grow.
Being new to the Rotherham scene, if there is a scene in Rotherham I’m not qualified to respond as I'm still trying to find my feet. However, from what I have experienced is rather a lot of pretentious student types involved which I find off-putting.
How has sharing your work with the group impacted your confidence and development as a poet/creative writer?
Confidence is something I struggle with, believe it or not, I am very self-conscious and shy. Frankthepoet is a different person to me.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in poetry?
Read, read, read but don’t try to copy others. Find your own voice.
Edit, edit, edit. Get rid of all those unnecessary words - and’s, if’s, but’s.
Read it out aloud. You will hear what needs changing.
Show it to someone. Have them read it aloud.
Slow down when reading to an audience. If you think you are reading too slow then read even slower, they need time to take it in. It’s not a race.
Anything else?
Not that I can think of at the moment as the.
21st Century Schizoid Man dissolves into
The Court of the Crimson King,
looking for Cat Food and Ladies of the Road
Avoiding The Night Watch of Asbury Park
And disappears up his own jacksy.
Brew Order: English Breakfast Tea. Strong but not stewed. Milk (a touch more than normal). Two sugars, or maybe three!
