In the spirit of National Poetry Day on October 3rd, 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 first interview features Trevor, who shares his story and inspiration.
What inspired you to start writing poetry and join this group?
I probably started a couple of years ago when I said to my wife, Gez, I want to start writing about my memories especially, about my fishing memories. Gez joined a writing sanctuary by writer, Beth Kempton, so I had a go too. It got me writing and I was incredibly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I was very dubious about writing poetry in the Spread The Word sessions but I thought I would give it a go and I loved it.
I hadn’t enjoyed poetry at school but when I was in a fishing club, one of the young members died. I was asked by the Chairman of the Club to write some words. I woke up in the middle of the night, went downstairs and wrote a poem. The only time I've ever done it that way. I guess I was inspired by the significance of loosing someone. There is now a bench with a plaque in memory of the young lad with my words on it.
I came back to the writing sessions by Spread The Word because, in that first session, the poems were absolutely amazing and the writing that came out of them felt really powerful.
Can you share the story behind one of your favourite poems you've written?
It’s a poem I wrote called “The Elemental Rucksack” after the poems I mentioned that were used in our first session. I don't think I've written anything better since. It was quite imaginary whereas most of my stuff since is based on life and memories.
How has been part of this poetry group influenced your writing?
It's the whole thing. I don't do any writing away from the group, but we have started going to the local open mic events and listening to those is quite powerful. I enjoy being able to sit with other like-minded people. I am not ready to stand up and read my own poetry in front of an audience, but I enjoy sharing in our group.
What themes or topics do you find yourself more most drawn to in your poetry?
There is definitely a real realism to it. And I love using the form of a haiku because I like the structure. Been given techniques as prompts can help me find a way with my writing.
Who are some of your favourite poets and how have they influenced your work?
I remember liking the poetry of Pam Ayres many years ago but recently some of the poems I have read, I have found those really hard. I like some of the Yorkshire based poets you have introduced us to, like Toria Garbutt, but I think I am still discovering who some of my favourite poets are.
Can you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?
I use my phone to look up words that rhyme and use websites like Rhyme Zone or I use Google.
How and where do you find inspiration to write?
My writing definitely only takes place when I am writing or sharing with others, that why the group feels really important. I also like the idea of us meeting outside of the sessions facilitated by you.
What role do you think poetry/creative writing plays in society/in Rotherham today?
It does what it says it does, it “Spreads the Word!”. Some of the exercises, like the free write we use, really helps me to connect to myself and to do that in the safe space of the group. A few of us have also set up our own little “Writing for Pleasure” group here at Mowbray Gardens Library, that definitely brings us all together.
How has sharing your work with the group impacted your confidence? And your development as a poet or creative writer?
I started the group saying, “poetry wasn’t for me” so I have really started from scratch and then built myself up slowly. In that way, I have had to trust myself to do it. Maybe I haven’t built up slowly at all, maybe I have just leapt right into it!
What advice would you give to someone who's just starting out in poetry?
Just try and have a go and don’t have too high expectations. You may need try a few different groups before you find the right one for you, find one where you feel comfortable. And go to the open mics to hear different voices because that will bring you inspiration and definitely some poems or poets that will stay with you. You then get to learn what you like and what you don’t like and that can help you focus on what you want to introduce into your own writing.
In our Spread The Word group, we always have a choice to share or not and have a go at the exercises or not. It’s very relaxed.
Brew Order: Coffee, White, No Sugar.
