Woking Writers Circle

A welcoming writing community where we share words and grow together and where creativity, feedback and encouragement come together

Tag: poem

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING AT RED LION, HORSELL ON 15TH OF JANUARY 2026

    NEWS:

    1. There has been no update yet on the NatWest bank account application. Simona has followed this up and expects to receive an update on the status next week.
    2. Keith shared that he has entered two poems into a competition: one written as a tribute to Dylan Thomas, and another centred-on definitions of creation.
    3. Heather and Dave announced that they will be launching their respective new books at the Paper Moon Bookshop in Guildford on the 12th of March. All members are warmly invited to attend.
    4. It was also noted that one of Dave’s poems has attracted interest for adaptation into a song, highlighting the breadth and versatility of creative talent within the group.
    5. The Reading Group will meet on the 17th of February, where members will be discussing Staying On.

    READINGS:

    NATHAN read a poem titled “Where You Are.” Keith observed the use of contradictory lines, noting that while they might seem opposing on the surface, they worked very effectively together. He felt the length of the poem was appropriate and suggested a few edits to the ending to move it away from realism and towards a more poetic and impactful close, which Nathan took on board. Dave enjoyed the poem, commenting that each line opened up a new vista to explore. Liz described the poem as beautiful and enthusiastically “pro-found” (pun intended), agreeing that the repetition added weight and resonance. Simona noted that while the poem is subtly held together by an overarching narrative, the individual stanzas leap between different images. She acknowledged, however, that this sense of fluidity may come down to personal preference.

    Nathan also shared a haiku, which he had titled “Set Course,” though he noted the title was not strictly necessary. Keith appreciated the inclusion of scientific jargon and found it particularly enjoyable. Simona questioned the choice of the word “forged,” suggesting it grounded the poem on a less cosmic scale than the rest of the imagery implied.

    DAVE read two poems titled “Dream Scapes I” and “Dream Scapes II.” Liz found the first poem profound and tragic, praising the language and highlighting phrases such as “forgotten god” and “language.” She also noted the effective use of words with layered meanings, particularly “arms.” Nathan felt the poem echoed the simplicity and universality of Imagine and enjoyed the sense of recurring dreams running through it. Simona praised the second poem for its skilfully implied meaning, and both she and Nathan remarked on its melancholic tone, with an underlying sense of tragedy. The group agreed that each reader took something different from the second poem, and this openness of interpretation was widely appreciated.

    KEITH read two poems he has entered into a competition, for which the group wished him good luck. The first, “Nothing Gentle About This Night,” was delivered with great force and had a strong impact on the room. Simona praised the poem’s defiance and power, while Liz queried the use of the word “taciturn.” Keith’s second poem, “Creation,” left a deeper impression, with Simona commenting that it made her acutely aware of herself as the reader. Keith also shared a third poem, “America Today,” which sparked discussion within the group. While opinions varied, there was agreement that the final two lines were particularly lyrical and that the metaphor was very effective.

    LIZ shared a poem inspired by a jam advent calendar, describing it as a “jam moment.” Drawing loosely on themes from The Road Not Taken, she explored the idea of obsession and the notion that all roads ultimately lead to jam. Simona felt that the third section of the poem truly captured the journey and was her favourite part, though she noted that it took some time to arrive there and that the connection between the opening section and the rest could be strengthened. She also praised the craftsmanship of the metaphors throughout. Dave felt the poem appeared to be pursuing two competing goals, which developed into separate themes, and suggested this may have resulted in the poem being longer than necessary. He proposed that the piece could be split, noting that the two strands seemed to compete for attention and that the bridge between them might need rethinking. Keith suggested that having printed copies might help the group better visualise the journey Liz was taking the reader on.

    Next Meeting 19th February 2026

    Volunteers for jobs to be assigned via email

    Chairperson: Sarah

    Minutes: Simona

    Milk and Biscuits: TBC

    Wine: TBC

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING AT ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 16th OCTOBER 2025

    Present: Tricia, Heather, Keith, Dave, Nathan, Natasha, Adi, Liz, Sarah, Simona, Catherine, Harry, Teddy 
    Apologies: Alan 

    NEWS 

    1. The Book Group will meet next Monday to discuss The Midnight Library, with a potential new member joining. 
    1. Heather joyfully announced the successful publication of her poetry pamphlet, sharing her gratitude and a few details about the journey to print. 
    1. The Fiery Bird venue has received another award for its community support, though it is sadly set to close in January. 
    1. 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 

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING, ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 19th of SEPTEMBER 2024

    Present: Tricia, Nathan, Simona, Alan, Harry, Liz, Sarah

    Apologies: Heather, Peter

    NEWS

    Liz presented a leaflet advertising the Poetry Hub, due to be launched at the Woking Library on Fridays

    READINGS

    SARAH read a piece titled ‘A Postcard from…’ inspired by her recent trip to Agatha Christie’s place which encouraged visitors to be in the moment and write. Sarah also encouraged the audience to guess where the ‘postcard’ location might be. Simona found it impressive how Sarah describes mundane events with such exciting vigour and Tricia noted that the language and turn of phrases are quite powerful and that Sarah is very good at observing people and making them come alive in her writing. Liz said she found the piece very delightfully physical and noted that Sarah is becoming bolder with her imagery. Harry loved the mix between comedy and imagery and said specific descriptions bring him back to his childhood. Alana pointed at some vividly specific descriptions.

    HARRY read some of his older poems and described them as having a darker vibe. His first poem, ‘Spotlight’ was discussed by the group to gain an understanding of some of the imagery. Simona noted that the use of some of the first-person pronouns disrupts the immersion. Sarah liked the concept of the poem but encouraged Harry to build on the poem and create a little bit more suspense. Hi Second poem ‘All consuming darkness’ was noted by Nathan as being in contradiction with his first poem. Nathan also suggested that due it’s length it could easily be used as a book extract. The group agreed that the sinister presence was felt in both poems.

    NATHAN’s poem, ‘Approaching judgment’ was well received by the group with similar feedback from Simona relating to the use of personal pronouns when generating the context of the poem. Tricia praised the poem as really powerful and liked the imagery of the last verse and noted it is almost not noticeable. Harry noted the poem being very anti-establishment with French revolution nuances and liked the transposition between wealthy nobles enjoying life before being ‘cut in half’. Liz said that Nathan’s strength comes from conciseness and that some words should be considered for removal. Nathan’s haiku, ‘Embers of love’ was discussed at length and the group offered some suggestions for making it even more powerful.

    TRICIA delighted the group with a draft of the next instalment of her Tanzania adventures. All of her pieces will be posted on our website, so please do give them a read!

    ALAN’s piece was aligned with the homework set at the last meeting and was titled ‘No unauthorised entry’. Harry loved the snappiness of the dialogue and noted that it almost sounds rhythmic, poetic, and that he would love to see it as s skit. Liz noted the piece as really effective and enjoyed that she could follow. Sarah suggested that the piece has some performative attributes.

    LIZ, inspired by a recent museum trip wrote a series of seasonal ‘Haiku from the Hogsback’ grounded in her experiences and memories on the family farm (Blackwell Farm). Simona said that while Liz is skilled at condensing experiences into haikus, she prefers Liz’ memories in a longer format as they add significantly more detail and connect with the reader much more. The group noted that perhaps Simona’s feedback comes from having already been exposed to Liz’s memoir work hence the strong preference. Nathan suggested that Liz can intersperse her memoir with haikus.

    Next meeting: Thursday, 17 October at 7.30

    Chair: Sarah

    Wine: Nathan

    Milk & Biscuits: Alan

    Minutes: Simona

    Homework: Absent friends

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING, ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 20th  JUNE 2024

    Present: Keith, Liz, Alan, Nathan, Simona, Olivia, Heather

    Apologies: Sarah, Trisha, Peter, Hilary

    Welcome: Olivia

    News  

    Liz has published a book of Haikus and has been attending various venues where she has sold a number of copies.

    Liz has returned from a greatly enjoyed trip to Newcastle and also caught up with Greg Freeman, a long-standing stalwart of WWC before moving to Northumberland.

    Regular Events for Poets

    Write-Out-Loud open mic: The last Thursday of every month (27th June) at the Fiery Bird, Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6JT (next to the Fire Station). Large free car park. Event starts at 7pm, but please try to arrive around 6.45 to put your name down for reading. The cost is £5, payable in cash, and hot drinks are available, price £1.50.

    Write-Out-Loud open mic Zoom meeting: Arranged by Greg Freeman, dates advised on monthly basis. Meetings start at 7pm.

    Lionsheart Bookshop: Lionsheart have generously welcomed WWC poets to read in the first half of their poetry evenings, held on the last Saturday of each month, (29th June) starting at 7pm. Food is available but should be ordered beforehand.

    Introducing Olivia

    A warm welcome was extended to Olivia, who was invited to tell the group about herself and her writing. Olivia writes poetry and prose, serious and comic, and is a regular performer at various open mic events at the Fiery Bird.

    Readings

    Simona read a further instalment of her momentous Kilimanjaro trip. The writer is having a conversation with herself about the nerves and excitement felt during the preparation for the last leg of the climb. The remarkable thing about this piece was the fact that tension was maintained throughout all the practical details of the preparation; the desperation about getting some sleep was particularly vividly conveyed.

    Keith contributed 2 poems, focusing on his love of cricket and football. The first poem, War and Peaceful Pastime, illustrated the contrast between village green cricket and the game played at a faster pace. The humour of the away team being fed too many scones was appreciated. These poems were greatly enjoyed, with discussion about the ‘lost England’ quality of village cricket and memories of the fast bowling of Andy Roberts. Keith’s second poem was about his involvement with Southampton football club when, having done well in the selection process, he decided the accompanying violence/bullying wasn’t for him. It was suggested that some of the metaphors could be strengthened by shortening the lines and intensifying the language.

    Nathan’s enigmatic  poem, Lilacs and Laments, was very well-received. A complex piece, expressing strong emotions, it stimulated quite a lot of discussion, and there was debate about the importance or otherwise of grammatical correctness in poetry. As usual, Nathan also presented a haiku, Sunshine, which was enjoyed.

    Olivia read 3 pieces. The first, Dawn Rises over the Serengeti, was very amusing. The feedback from the group included the advice to read more slowly to enable the listeners to fully appreciate the humour. What if I Never Met You? was inspired by Sliding Doors and reflected the ‘what ifs’ of life. This was a thoughtful piece, humour often emphasising rather than detracting from the strength of feeling. The last piece, Make me Forget my Name, was virtually a prose poem and contained some beautiful lines, including the last line, ‘…in that moment, I became someone that both of us could love.’

    Alan’s short story, About Face, was inspired by the homework subject of ‘Smiles’. Pace and tension, the usual Alan hallmarks, were very much present and the story succeeded in securing the listeners’ involvement in a story contained in just one side of A4.  The story features identical twins – one pleasant, one ghastly – but the denouement is so skilfully handled that this explanation still came as a satisfying surprise.

    Heather contributed a poem, Hardwired, which sought to capture the indelible nature of memory when a traumatic event occurs. It was generally agreed that the poem succeeded in doing this, but there was much useful discussion about the appropriateness of the title. (The poet’s grasp of technology being flaky, to put it mildly, she has since changed this to Etched in Seconds and drawn a comparison with the ‘pastel  prettiness ‘ of earlier memories. Just saying!)

    Liz used her time to talk about her northern trip, which included two poetry performances. She was keen to discuss the content and the format for recording these vivid memories. The group enjoyed hearing about Liz’s journey and her infectious enthusiasm, appreciating the nostalgia flowing from revisiting old haunts and seeing people not seen for many years. There was a feeling that Liz could make more information available to the reader/listener as they were not with her on her journey.

    Next Meeting: Thursday, 18th June at 7.30pm

    Chair: Nathan

    Minutes: Simona

    Milk and biscuits: Liz

    Wine: Heather

    Homework: Scavengers

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING AT ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 16 MAY 2024

    Present: Peter, Heather, Simona, Nathan, Tricia, and Alan

    Apologies: Sarah, Keith, Liz, Hillary

    ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    Our Chairperson, Peter welcomed everyone and asked that the previously distributed minutes of our previous AGM be approved; all present approved the minutes with no changes.

    1. The Chairperson’s report fondly outlined the member contributions since the previous AGM. Heather requested that the minutes record how much the Circle valued Peter’s chairmanship, a sentiment echoed by everyone else in the room.  
    2. Treasurer’s report was given by Heather in Hillary’s absence. The financial statement showed a positive opening balance and a closing balance higher than the starting position, to everyone’s surprise. Sufficient funds exist to see us through to the next round of membership fee collections. This instigated the conversation relating to membership fees which Peter pointed out might rest solely on our decision to continue in the current venue. For the time being it was agreed that fees would remain at £35, same as previous year.
    3. Members are slightly displeased with the lack of heating in colder months and the collection of keys can be tenuous sometimes. The suggestion agreed upon was that the members will be looking for a new venue before autumn at which point membership fees will be revisited. It was further discussed where a December meeting would be required as a social might be more welcome. The vote for a decision was raised and the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
    4. Website Review – Simona presented some statistics around the website traffic and the lack of material to attract traffic. Simona also noted that attracting new members may be more successful on social media platform linked to the website. It was agreed that:
      1. SM will prepare a website plan with objectives.
      1. SM will request input from each member individually for their contributions.
      1. SM to collate various tips on writing from members.
    5. Election of committee members:
      1. Chairperson: Liz nominated Simona, Heather seconded, all votes in favour. Simona will become the new Chairperson of the Woking Writers Circle.
      1. Heather agreed to remain in her position as secretary. All votes in favour and Heather remains the Woking Writers Circle Secretary.
      1. For the Treasurer position it was agreed that Heather will reach out to Hillary to confirm if she would like to continue. If she would not like to continue Tricia has been nominated to fill this position with everyone voting unanimously for the motion.
      1. Liz has been nominated by Simona as the Community Liaison in recognition of her efforts in engaging the Writers Circle in various community events. The motion was passed unanimously.

     AOB:

    Liz has been in contact with Woking News and Mail about reinstating publications from the Woking Writers Circle, but they have rejected Liz’s proposal for submitting poems due to formatting issues. WWC will try to engage Woking News and Mail via our website publications.

    With no other matters to discuss, Peter closed the AGM.

    RADINGS:

    Alan wrote a short story on the homework theme, ‘Dilemma’ called  ‘Exclusion zone’. The Story starts in the midst of a heist’s technical preparation, right at the trigger point where the original plan requires adjustments. The story does have the usual twist we’ve come to enjoy with Alan’s stories which was praised as neat. Simona enjoyed that the pacing of the story gripped more than usual due to it starting with the trigger as things were set into motion from the start. Heather said that it is very hard to pace a story just with dialogue, but the Alan has done it well. Peter commented on Alan’s choice of character names and how they make it easier to remember.

    Nathan wrote a poem in a hazy state of mind called ‘Resolve’ that is centred around the feeling of helplessness when stuck in a cycle of depression but being fortunate enough to know that better days are coming. Heather noted that the use of ‘self-fulfilling prophecies’ may almost be a cliché and perhaps Nathan can pivot around a word with a stronger meaning, but Liz thought the use of the wording may be appropriate. Liz said that this poem is the kind of poem she would expect to find in a ‘self-help’ book. SM appreciated that Nathan could tap into such strong emotions and was able to convey them succinctly. She also noted that there is always a glimmer of light in Nathan’s poetry. Alan said it reminded him of Laurie Lee. Nathan also read a haiku which prompted a discussion around the potency of the imagery.

    Heather’s poem ‘Another spring’ was described by Peter as an antidote to the joys of spring. Liz appreciated the strong imagery but found it inducive of negative thoughts with such an imaginative approach to describing spring. Heather finds the changing of the seasons quite unsettling (particularly spring and autumn), stirring memories and feelings. Tricia agrees with the uncertainty of change. Alan stated that the poem captured the horrible dream like way of the changes, a horrible distortion of time mired with intensity. Liz finds the line ‘messy urgency of May’ gripping.

    After the break, Peter opened for announcements and Heather noted that there will be no Lionsheart bookshop event this month. Lionsheart also offered a space on their table at Shynefest for the writers of the WWC to showcase their work.

    Liz did not read any piece, but she engaged the group in a discussion surrounding the difficulties of self-publishing while also asking for advice on cover artwork. Liz intends to publish a small pamphlet of haikus in preparation for Shynefest. We wish her success in her endeavour.  

    Tricia wrote a poem in line with the current homework but with no current working title on the agony of seeing a loved one die. The poem perfectly outlines the duality of feeling relief at a loved one’s passing after a long decline but made problematic by the guilt felt afterwards at wishing the process to rush by. Heather agrees there is a lot of truth in the poem and Peter asks what the poem helped Tricia achieve in writing it. Tricia wrote the poem to express her sympathies with her neighbour’s life events but also reminded Tricia of some of her similar life experiences. Heather felt the strength of the poem.

    Next meeting: 20th of June

    Chairperson: Alan

    Homework: Smiles

    Milk & Biscuits: Simona

    Wine: Nathan

    Minutes: Heather

  • MINUTES OF WOKING WRITERS’ CIRCLE MEETING AT ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, HORSELL ON 18th APRIL 2024

    Present: Tricia, Liz, Alan, Nathan, Simona, Heather

    Apologies: Sarah, Keith, Peter

    AGM

    The next AGM will take place on 16th May 2024 at 7.30pm. The previous AGM was held on 17th November 2022 and Minutes of this meeting are attached for information. The AGM will be held immediately before the usual Readings meeting.

    There are important matters to be resolved, including the appointment of officers, future meeting venue arrangements and subscriptions.

    It is intended to circulate a financial statement and an email concerning the appointment of officers before the AGM so that matters can be dealt with speedily on the night.

    Future Library Event

    The sub-committee – Tricia, Liz, Simona, Keith and Heather – plan to meet via Zoom before 16th May to discuss having a WWC table at Woking Library, possibly in May and September. Simona agreed to email sub-committee members to agree a date and to set up the meeting.

    News

    Liz reported that the Book Group would be reading MAUS, a graphics book recommended by Lionsheart Bookshop, or a book chosen by the reader. The next meeting would be on 24th April 2024.

    Alan and Heather had respectively sent a flash fiction piece and a poem to Barbara Gurney at Gosnells Writers Circle in Australia in response to a request for submissions. These would be published in the May newsletter.

    Regular Events for Poets

    Write-Out-Loud open mic: The last Thursday of every month (25th April) at the Fiery Bird, Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6JT (next to the Fire Station). Large free car park. Event starts at 7pm, but please try to arrive around 6.45 to put your name down for reading. The cost is £5, payable in cash, and hot drinks are available, price £1.50.

    Write-Out-Loud open mic Zoom meeting: Arranged by Greg Freeman, dates advised on monthly basis. Meetings start at 7pm.

    Lionsheart Bookshop: Lionsheart have generously welcomed WWC poets to read in the first half of their poetry evenings, held on the last Saturday of each month, (27th April) starting at 7pm. Food is available but should be ordered beforehand.

    Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon

    Lionsheart Bookshop have very generously agreed to give WWC members space on their table for publicity leaflets, publications, etc. at Shynefest on 31st May. More information to follow.

    Readings

    Nathan read his very enjoyable poem, Everyone Else is an NPC, educating several members of the group even while they were laughing at the humour in the piece. (Apparently, an NPC is a Non-Playable Character in gaming language.) The rhyming scheme worked well as did the scansion and the self-mockery in the last 2 lines were very clever and much-appreciated. Nathan also contributed one his skilful trademark Haikus, The Process, which captured the idea that by nurturing a flower, it blooms twice – a reflection of the old Japanese proverb along the lines of, ‘He who chops wood, warms himself twice’.

    Heather contributed 2 poems, both of which drew on the homework subject, Perception. Viewpoint was about a visit to a care home to see a much-loved friend in the advanced stages of dementia. The poet was distressed by the care assistant blowing iridescent bubbles in front of her friend, this childish activity contrasting with her memories of her friend before she became ill, but realises in the end that she herself needed to change her viewpoint. A Trick of the Light spoke of the magical effects of evening light on a journey home and the contrast between the poet’s delight and the driver’s irritation with the driver in front.

    Alan’s story, The Dimmer Switch, was a rich concoction and contained many of Alan’s brilliant descriptions, including ‘peering like an agitated woodpecker’, ‘resigned hiccup-come-shrug’ and ‘splay-footed two-left-wellied heartiness’. The story uses garden plants to great effect and the story was, as usual, extremely clever and hugely enjoyed.

    Liz spoke of her ambition to publish a small book this year, probably containing Haikus. There was lively discussion about a possible title, with Images featuring prominently. Liz had brought along a prop almost certainly never previously featured at a WWC meeting – a slice of Gala pie. There were interesting thoughts around the table as to what members saw in this, with suns, moons and eclipses being favourites. Liz then read out a Haiku inspired by the pie, proving beyond doubt that a real writer can find inspiration in anything!

    Next Meeting: Thursday, 16th May at 7.30pm

    Chair: Peter Morley

    Minutes: Simona

    Milk and biscuits: TBA

    Wine: Heather

    Homework: Dilemma