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| Chapel of Virgins, São Roque Church, Lisbon |
Having signed off in November saying I would be back in a week, I have to admit to failure. I got caught up in an event for Time & Tide (Arachne Press), and another event linking poems and photographs for an exhibition in Cascais. This was all at the time of our Stanza reading, followed by Christmas etc. I think my school report would read (and usually did), 'Could do Better'.
I've been having fun putting my pamphlet into order for publication in September by Maytree Press. I keep changing the order of the first two poems, but love the way the poems all seem to connect and chat to each other. I really enjoy the whole process.
I'm happy that I'll have a poem published in Magma's Resistencia issue in the Spring, a theme close to my heart. I've also had a poem accepted by Poetry Birmingham Literary Review, with some helpful editing suggestions by Suna. I'm always grateful to get editing advice and admire any editor who takes the time and trouble.
I feel the year has started well on the poetry front and I seem to be writing more than ever at the moment. The picture above is of the Chapel of Virgins in Lisbon. Skulls swathed in fabric that looks like ruby dusters, are displayed on velvet cushions. It is decidedly spooky. São Roque is in one of Lisbon's most beautiful churches and I've been trying to write about these skulls and their bizarre altar.
