Poetry runs riot in my mind. Whether I’m writing a book, distracted by painting, or travelling, there’s verse yearning to escape to paper.
I’ve been this way since I was young. I have childhood memories of scrawling and scribbling, sketches and words filled pages whilst I listened to music, and nothing much has changed.
The piles of paper in my bedroom are too precious to discard. Hidden gold may live amongst my midnight conversations with myself. Am I mad? Well, perhaps a little, but I’m also content. When words and art merge, I am satiated.
And so I’m here. To share with you my inner thoughts. Sometimes they appear as poetry, sometimes travelogues, and often art. When they all come together, the books allow me to share my voice with the world.
Poetry Books
I’ve started a new project this week. It occurred to me that one of the hardest things about being a writer is the time it takes to complete a book. It’s challenging to say the least, but that’s a whole other post!
Anyway, I have been studying the Faber Book of Beasts for my Arts degree. It’s an engaging anthology of poems, and when I put it down, I realised yesterday that the prospect of 70,000 words paralyses my writing. I won’t give up on them – I love to travel too much – but poems are therapeutic and bring completion. It’s an underestimated necessity to a writer.
Now I plan to work on poetry books. I want to study them, write them and share them. It may be eco, nature, or middle-of-the-night insomnia poetry, but it will be verse from my heart.
With all of this in mind, I’ve set up a sister website to share my poems. Rhyming Heart is a poetry website with a difference, and although in its infancy, you can pop over read one of my recent poems about sadness and grief.
Poetry for Children
Let’s shift from the idealistic view I’m painting and shift towards our youth.
What better way to start life than with a cuddle and a book. Rhymes are fun for children to remember, and they sow the seeds of language and communication. I fear for our children, for their increasing reliance on technology, and for a diminishing desire to write with a pen.
Without understanding the importance and benefits of good communication skills, where will they be?
I don’t have the answer to this, but it leads me to the reason I’ve published rhyming children’s books together with my daughter. Not only does it help her, but we also hope to inspire little poets and artists around the world.
Power of Words
Without words, I’d be lost. Writing allows me to unload my mind. I jest about midnight scribbles, but they are my friend. They ease me back to sleep, where peacefully I remain until morning.
Words matter. They build bonds; they break friendships, and they also bring joy; the latter is what I want to achieve.
From babes in arms, to those who have lived long lives, I want my words to resonate and inspire. I want to bring smiles, and to encourage children to pick up a pen. It doesn’t seem like much to ask.
It’s a new start for me.
Retreating to write had always been a pleasure until I pushed myself to reach unrealistic writing goals. It’s time for the enjoyment and benefits to outweigh the struggles, and that begins with poetry.
In fact, I’m determined to publish a collection of my poems along with watercolours this year. The plan is for the book to be released in January 2026, and it will be a reflection on recent years since the passing of my parents as well as a reminder to live each day fully.
Bereavement has changed me, which may be something you relate to, and if that’s the case I believe my work will bring a sense of company in a world where we sometimes feel alone.
My Favourite Poetry
But it’s not all about me.
In my quest to write verse, I’ve acquired a number of wonderful books. I’d love to share those with you too; so far reading Mary Oliver feels like a comfy slipper, but Rumi and Emily Dickinson are a joy too.
And if you’re wondering why poetry sits on my website that has an arty name, it’s quite simple.
When I write, I’m often visualising places and things I’ve see. The poems and art have become best friends, and to attempt separation would be a travesty!
So if you’ve read this far, please join me.
You don’t have to participate, but you can enjoy the musings of my creative mind by signing up to my newsletter. If you do so, you’ll also soon be the proud owner of any new books I publish (in digital format).
I’d love to inspire you to pick up a pen or brush, and wouldn’t it be great if 2026 becomes the year of new challenges?
To coin a quote from Pablo Picasso:
‘It takes a long time to grow young’
And that’s why it’s important to try new things.
Our time is limited, and taking a moment for yourself to read, write, or paint is not only enjoyable, but it’s good for us.
I promise.
My pile of poetry books, sketchbooks, and pens will attest to it!
Joking aside, the benefits I’ve experienced through writing poems has been life-changing. I don’t say that lightly; I’ve unlocked parts of my mind that I didn’t want visit, written unsaid words to my parents, and allowed myself to be OK with the enormity of grief.
So, whilst I may have rambled a little here I do believe that writing and art are incredible healing tools, and I’ll be sharing more about that soon.
For now though, I’ll leave you to ponder while I gaze through the window. Inspiration sits at every corner, after all.
Thank you for reading,
Emma
