Which?
If you are feeling hung up on the idea of what and who is and is not a woman (or man) right now, ask yourself why? More accurately, why does it matter? Or even more so: does it matter?!
There are many dangers in trying to create a definition of something with so much natural variance and you will inevitably end up excluding yourself. And, it leads to the kind of ridiculous interaction I describe in this poem…
Elbows
Gender and sexuality are often paths that many of us do not even realise we "can" explore, let alone "allowed" to. With the binary and heteronormativity usually being the loudest voice in the classroom, the workplace, the media and society as a whole; stepping outside of those rigid boundaries can be an intimidating and seemingly lonely journey, made even harder by those who daren't question it themselves.
Trauma
A powerful and piercing poem that talks about the complex nature of trauma, especially within the context of relationships.
Filmed by Write About Now in Denver, Colorado at 2017 National Poetry Slam Championships.
Seasick
1) Beware: the use of fear is often a means to control.
2) Beware: you will always be higher up on the list of scapegoats than those writing it.
3) Be aware: we are many and as many we are strong.
Filmed and edited by Shannon Anderson - Homebody Films.
There are so many strong opinions and gusts of judgment in the world that we can often be rendered into inaction by the fear alone of the wind tunnel we may enter into by standing up and trying to make ourselves heard. In this blustery setting, it is easy to forget the strength of our own voice and, in-turn, the importance of every breath. This piece is a reminder of how much you, and your breath, matter.
gale force
There are so many strong opinions and gusts of judgment in the world that we can often be rendered into inaction by the fear alone of the wind tunnel we may enter into by standing up and trying to make ourselves heard. In this blustery setting, it is easy to forget the strength of our own voice and, in-turn, the importance of every breath. This piece is a reminder of how much you, and your breath, matter.
Filmed by Tyrone Lewis - Process Productions.
Untitled
Covering the issues of and surrounding censorship in WW1 and in the wider context of modern society, this is one of two pieces specially commissioned by BBC Essex for the BBC's 'World War One At Home Project'. Also requested by the 1418Now folks to be featured as part of their Letter To An Unknown Soldier Project.
What's in a name?
Looking at the devastatingly wasteful and pointless nature of war with specific reference to World War One but also in the wider context of historical and modern conflict, this the second of two pieces specially commissioned by BBC Essex for the BBC's 'World War One At Home Project'.
back-off
A poem dedicated to my fellow teachers who are currently suffering under the tyranny of an uninformed, inept and archaic Department For Education and its unhealthy obsession with labelling, levelling and data - let's not forget why we became teachers in the first place!
THIS IS
One of the three pieces performed live at Slamalamadingdong, Melbourne, by RikTheMost to win their August Slam.
not in my name
After hearing the horrifying news of the UK's democratically decided vote to support and join in the airstrikes in Syria, my emotions were running high and sleep was not an option so I did the only thing that stood a chance of focusing and grounding me in those situations: write.
two minutes' silence
Wouldn't it be amazing if one Remembrance Day, soon, when we gather together to bear witness to another two minutes' silence, we are only able to remember war as a memory?