Featured Poetry - November, 2024

EXPERIENCES

By Simon Drake

I want to pull the knife out 

Relieve the horrendous pain 

Petrified I might not survive 

My heart won't take the strain 

For too long have I suffered 

Unnoticed in screaming silence 

Fingers pressed tightly to my lips 

A unique pain compliance 

Hurtful Experiences scarred me 

Cutting me deeply to the quick 

Pressure won't stop the bleeding 

Or make the stitches stick 

Never able to control my triggers 

Destined to always be burned 

An eternity of hurtful lessons 

Attended but I never learned 

ABOUT THE POEM: "This is how I felt at many times throughout my life continuing to suffer from painful experiences that raised their ugly heads when I least expect it."

EARLY MORNING HOSPITAL VISIT

By Tim Boardman

Early start

marmalade and butter 

In a small plastic tubs

I think we’re 

Going on holiday 

to Crete.

My headache thinks I am

an early morning start

Packed cases 

waiting for taxi

Last minute check 

Sunglasses, books, and tablets

But no knife

To butter the toast

At St. James’s hospital 

Waiting for further check ins

A beige raincoat 

Hung on back of chair 

And pyjamas on 

ABOUT TIM: "I’m a teacher that has now taught students with individual needs for the last 25 years, I have taught art, English, maths, living skills, tai chi and mindfulness. It is an odd profession it takes over your life and it affects your life and view point of the world. For the last four years my dad has had dementia and this has put a huge strain on everything and everyone. These poems are about this time. Writing and making art has always been a way for me to get emotions out, and a way to talk about issues and anxieties; it’s not often talked about but it affects so many people. Any mental health issue needs to be talked about and opened up, we need depression and anxiety in the cold light of day, not hidden away."

TO ALL OF YOU

By Dionne Risley

To all of you who let me believe that I was really weak

Many a fight I have fought and won, I'm not so easily beat.

The lessons I've learned along the way have opened up my eyes

Now I see what I couldn't before, now I'm much more wise.

To all of you who told me "I love you and I care"

I took it for granted in times of trouble, you would just be there.

I found it hard to keep on going without you by my side

The one whose love never I questioned, has been my unseen guide.

To all of you who made me feel that I was not enough

I have made it through the worst of storms and seas when they were rough.

I’ve had to leave so much behind, it often makes me cry

I must look forward and not look back, It's hard but I will try.

I'll continue my journey to who knows where

I may trip, but I won't fall

But one thing I know as I walk alone, 

I am stronger than you all!

ABOUT THE POEM: "My poems are based mainly on my own personal experiences and struggles mainly with mental health and relationships. I have suffered with mental health issues throughout my life, and still do, this has led to other issues such as addiction. I find writing a form of therapy which helps - more than I can put into words."

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