This page includes examples of my solo poetry performances and writing. Scroll down to read, watch and listen to some of my work.
Bird Poem
A poetry video, created with Sarah Tremlett and commissioned by the University of Brighton's Centre of Arts and Wellbeing.
Chinese Lanterns
Tongue Twisters
This poem introduces poets performing on Glastonbury Festival's Poetry&Words stage, and has been re-written several times to include different iterations of performers. This is the version I performed in 2009 to open the stage.
A poem on racism, privilege and the need to decolonise our research/teaching. Published in 'Decolonising the Curriculum.'
Dressing for Gran
For Joan Mockford, who sadly died at the start of 2012
You wouldn’t let me call you Grandma,
"Gran," you said, "or Joan.
Grandma sounds too old."
You were never really old,
flighty and flirtatious to the last.
Like a fragile humming bird
you'd dart around your world,
all smiles and scarlet lipstick for the boys,
so today I'll dress in red and make some noise.
We all have tales to tell of you,
that bring a sparkle to our tears,
like the time you thought 'Loose Chippings'
was a place,
or laughed so hard your teeth shot out your face,
and the stories that we told you,
you'd believe with eyes turned wide,
so today I'll dress in red and wave with pride.
I remember granite steps
and a brass all polished bright.
I remember seagull chatter
to your snoring through the night -
which you denied -
like the fact that you dyed your hair blonde,
or were ever beyond middle age.
No one could deny your natural smile,
so today I'll dress in red and dream awhile.
I think that I could swear
you had no foes in all the world,
that everyone who met you fell in love.
I'd say you were an angel from above,
but fear you'll party too hard,
for the heavenly horde and their guv.
Rest in Peace, my gorgeous Gran,
close your eyes, set down your head,
for today we say goodbye, all dressed in red.
"Gran," you said, "or Joan.
Grandma sounds too old."
You were never really old,
flighty and flirtatious to the last.
Like a fragile humming bird
you'd dart around your world,
all smiles and scarlet lipstick for the boys,
so today I'll dress in red and make some noise.
We all have tales to tell of you,
that bring a sparkle to our tears,
like the time you thought 'Loose Chippings'
was a place,
or laughed so hard your teeth shot out your face,
and the stories that we told you,
you'd believe with eyes turned wide,
so today I'll dress in red and wave with pride.
I remember granite steps
and a brass all polished bright.
I remember seagull chatter
to your snoring through the night -
which you denied -
like the fact that you dyed your hair blonde,
or were ever beyond middle age.
No one could deny your natural smile,
so today I'll dress in red and dream awhile.
I think that I could swear
you had no foes in all the world,
that everyone who met you fell in love.
I'd say you were an angel from above,
but fear you'll party too hard,
for the heavenly horde and their guv.
Rest in Peace, my gorgeous Gran,
close your eyes, set down your head,
for today we say goodbye, all dressed in red.