Present: Tricia, Heather, Keith, Dave, Nathan, Natasha, Adi, Liz, Sarah, Simona, Catherine, Harry, Teddy
Apologies: Alan
NEWS
- The Book Group will meet next Monday to discuss The Midnight Library, with a potential new member joining.
- Heather joyfully announced the successful publication of her poetry pamphlet, sharing her gratitude and a few details about the journey to print.
- The Fiery Bird venue has received another award for its community support, though it is sadly set to close in January.
- Introductions were made for Teddy, who joined the group for the first time.
READINGS
Natasha read an excerpt beginning “Sparrowhawk, I know’. The group praised the vividness of her imagery and the emotional power of the reveal. Heather admired the rich description in the opening but suggested trimming adjectives to sharpen the prose. Dave noted that sensory experiences differ from person to person and that omission can sometimes enhance impact. Catherine enjoyed the twist but felt the explanation afterwards could be pared back. She also commented that referring to women as “girls” might read as infantilising, though the group agreed parents often continue using that term for their children. Tricia praised Natasha’s natural instinct for capturing animal consciousness. Adi appreciated the imaginative expressions, though found some slightly distracting, while Sarah noted how Natasha’s writing continues to develop with depth and confidence.
David shared two poems: “Extinction Blues” and “Modern Love.” The first conveyed a strong sense of desperation, with Harry admiring the musicality of the second stanza. Tricia sought clarification on some imagery in the opening, while Simona found the shifting perspectives a little confusing. Catherine mentioned an overuse of references to eyes, which compounded that sense of disorientation. Harry suggested reworking a few lines to enhance rhythm and poetic flow. The second poem, “Modern Love,” was warmly received — Tricia appreciated the sentiment, Heather found it clever, and Keith and Tricia both remarked that it served as a refreshing antidote to David’s previously more sombre work.
Keith read “Swing Thoughts from Abroad,” a humorous meditation on thoughts during a golf game, and “A Rose is Not Always a Rose by Any Other Name.” Catherine particularly enjoyed his inventive rhyme for “glaucoma.” Tricia noted his trademark wit and a playful duality in his portrayal of womanhood.
Adi presented “No Fall, No Rise.” Simona suggested that one of the central questions could be cut to maintain flow. Tricia observed that Adi’s style, almost abstract in its precision, conveys movement and flux effectively and perhaps reflects his background. Heather praised the repetition for its musical emphasis, and Liz remarked that Adi’s lyricism feels effortless. Adi explained that he writes intuitively and had not yet edited this piece.
Special Guest: Auntie Dawn delighted the group with a performance piece described as both witty and heartfelt. Adi called it beautiful; Harry enjoyed its humour; and Keith encouraged her to write a poem exploring the mind. Heather praised its honesty and craftsmanship, while Catherine found it marvellous and funny. Nathan likened it to Bob Dylan’s more whimsical songs, and David described it as “beautiful and funny at the same time.” Natasha noted its warmth and lack of bitterness, and Teddy said her reading style added real personality. Tricia called it an amazing poem and expressed a wish to meet her in person. Liz particularly appreciated the well-placed use of the word “sod.”
Heather read “Winter in London.” Keith admired the imagery and Tricia liked the way she used “pretending” to reflect seasonal denial. David described it as a poem that “packs a punch,” and the group agreed that it captured the essence of urban winter beautifully.
Catherine shared an original play, which sparked an engaging discussion involving Harry, Keith, and Tricia. Harry praised the effective use of dramatic irony, while Simona noted she always learns something new from Catherine’s writing. The suspense was handled well, and Tricia commented on the contrast between the family’s day-to-day worries and the daughter’s broader anxieties — a contrast Heather found especially thought-provoking. Keith called it “really interesting,” highlighting the realism of the characters’ interactions.
Sarah also presented a short play, structured as a video conversation. The twist was executed brilliantly, surprising and delighting the entire room. The group responded with high praise for both concept and delivery.
Liz read a poem begun at the Repair Café event, which she completed during the week. The piece reflected on mending — both literal and emotional — and the unravelling that sometimes can’t be repaired. Heather described it as beautifully crafted, while Tricia said it felt deeply authentic. Harry noted that its realism made the ending hit with a “gut punch.” David praised her ability to evoke the atmosphere of the room, and Sarah loved the imagery of “threading together” as both action and metaphor.
Teddy read two poems, “Light-Life” and “Threes.” Heather admired the phrase “beautifully obsolete,” and David said his favourite stanza stood out with quiet strength. Sarah said she could read “Light-Life” again and again, and Heather noted its layers of meaning. “Threes” was warmly received for its sense of closure and simplicity — Tricia found the ending evocative, Nathan praised its clean aesthetic, and Sarah highlighted its childlike perspective, rare and refreshing.
Harry concluded with two poems: “I Yearn for London Underground” and “Uncanny Finale.” Simona found comfort in the first, while David described it as unsettling yet powerful. Heather was intrigued by the poet’s fear of the overground. Tricia questioned the phrase “in a rush-hour blaze,” noting that “blaze” suggests fire or inferno and might need rethinking. The group appreciated his use of ouroboros. The second poem, “Uncanny Finale,” drew attention for its theatrical framing. Keith praised its stagecraft, while David questioned the inclusion of a “faux opera.” Keith interpreted it as commentary on life’s performative nature, and Tricia encouraged more exploration of the performing arts motif. Heather and David liked the singing imagery, Liz enjoyed the rhythmic “sag and stagger,” and Heather agreed that while the “faux” aspect might sound pretentious, it added texture to the piece.
Other Business
The next meeting’s homework is to write a poem in a language that is not your first language.
Minutes: Heather
Chair: Harry
Wine, Biscuits & Milk: Simona
Woking Writers Circle 