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General Poetry Any style, any theme, we always welcome your work for consideration. Need a bit of inspiration? Check out our previous monthly themes below for ideas! Send your entries to us and mark your envelope 'General Poetry'. May & June 2005 As the days get longer and (slightly) warmer, it can only mean one thing; at long last summer is on its way! What images does summer stir up for you, your long awaited holiday, a summer romance you can’t forget, or are you just looking forward to seeing a bit of colour in your garden again? Whatever your thoughts we’re waiting to see your summer poems, so why not brighten someone’s day! To celebrate National Childcare Month in June, we are looking to add to our collection of poems for children. Do you remember what it was like to be eight or nine years old? What things made you laugh or cry? Could you write a poem to entertain a child? If you see yourself as the next A A Milne or Roald Dahl, send your entries in to us. To celebrate Father’s Day, we are looking for poems dedicated to Dad. Does your dad help you through all your problems, always on hand with helpful advice? Does he make you cringe with his embarrassing jokes? Perhaps he’s no longer with you and you’d like to offer a tribute for Father’s Day? Whatever your thoughts on this very special person, share them with us, in the shape of a poem. The VE Day Anniversary will be held on the 8th of May, sixty years after the war in Europe ended in 1945. The British and Allies celebrated victory in Europe and all over Britain people celebrated the end of the six-year-long war, whether it was neighbourly celebrations in the street, or huge demonstrations in London. Do you remember where you were when Prime Minister, Winston Churchill announced ‘This is your victory’? Maybe you will never forget the terror of being an evacuated child… Join us to celebrate the milestone 60th Anniversary of VE Day by writing a poem and sharing your message with others. March & April 2005 The season of hope and rejuvenation is with us again. Mother Nature has shaken off the cold barren mantle of winter, and emerged much like a beautiful butterfly from its chrysalis. The countryside has become a profusion of magnificent technicolour; trees are weighed down with a myriad of buds, and expectant anticipation reigns supreme. During the months of March and April we are asking for poems reflecting your views on this inspiring season. ‘God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.’ Jewish Proverb Of all the friends we have there is one who will always be there for us, supporting us and giving us advice - our mum. For all the times our mothers have helped and supported us, how about giving something back? Well here’s your chance because this year on 6th March it’s their day. We are looking for poems that reflect the essential role mothers play in our lives. To show just how much you appreciate them, we would like you to write a poem dedicated to your mum. Why not tell others about her by putting pen to paper, and submitting your dedication or ‘thank you’ to your mum. Easter is the most important part of spring; it is a time of remembrance for the sacrifice Jesus made, and for his resurrection – symbolising new life and new beginnings. People celebrate this in many ways; by going to church services, or exchanging Easter eggs and cards. Yet some would argue that Easter has become too commercialised and that many forget the real meaning of this important occasion. We would like you to share your Easter Inspirations in the form of a poem. We want to know what it means to you and how you celebrate this time of year. Perhaps the season itself, with the colourful scenes of new life springing forth could be your favourite aspect of Easter. The
first of April, some do say, Poor Robin’s Almanac (1790) So if
at heart you’re sometimes cruel, Sharon Spencer, Forward Press January & February 2005 The start of the New Year is the beginning of a new era. We have made it through 2004. What are your thoughts and feelings of the last year? Have you completed ambitions of your own or watched others achieve their dreams? How did this make you feel? What about your hopes and aspirations for the future? What would you like to see, world peace, global environmental issues addressed, aid for the third world increased or a decline in crime? All these issues are something which we as a nation feel strongly about. But what does a new beginning mean to you? Maybe a new start in your life, a birth of a baby, a New Year’s resolution that you will not break! Or maybe you are just looking forward to what’s still to come. Whatever your views are on new beginnings we want to know about them in the form of a poem. Valentines Day will soon be upon us, and our thoughts will turn to love. Think back to your first love, lost love, and the love you feel today for the special person in your life. Some say you know you’re in love when your heart skips a beat every time you see or speak to your loved one, or you know you’d lay down your life for them. If you’re finding it hard to tell the person of your dreams how you feel, what better way to express your undying love than by writing them a poem. Unlike the material gifts such as flowers, a poem from the heart will last forever. Childhood is reputed to be the best time of our life; it’s funny how we do not appreciate those days until they are gone. Looking back ten, twenty or even fifty years we remember those things that still bring a smile to our faces. Along with our fondest memories, we also have some of the saddest - that time when we reach a certain age and we realise that life is finite, the lessons of life we learn the hard way and the discovery that the tooth fairy is not real. Whatever memories you hold firmly in your mind we would love to hear about them. In today’s society many of us are left questioning our faith, especially in the apparent careless society of today. Bombarded constantly through the newspapers and television we witness daily the darker side of human life. Faith gives us that strength to believe and keep going. How many of us now have faith in today’s changing society? Do we believe in what’s going on around us, and are we happy to sit back and let it continue? We want your poems about journeys to faith, expressions of faith or just your faith in today’s world. Send us your poetry and share your faith with others. November & December 2004 Children all over the country cheerfully anticipate the 5th November when fantastic fireworks explode against the ebony velvet of the night sky above towering bonfires. The senses are bombarded with the aromas of hot food, tantalised by the fragrance of burning wood and mesmerised by the crackling flames ... During November we are asking for poetry expressing your feelings regarding November 5th. You might feel it’s a bit of harmless fun with no real meaning. Maybe you believe that in celebrating the thwarting of a catholic conspiracy to blow James I and the Houses of Parliament into oblivion in 1605, we are making martyrs of the traitors? We would love to hear your views. 11th November 1918 will mean something to everyone, but to some it means so much more; the 11th hour of the 11th month signalled the end of years of terror as the 1st World War ended. The death and fear ceased, but for some the haunting memories will stay forever. This November marks 86 years since the guns fell silent over the battlefields, and to honour this occasion we are looking for poems for a special anthology dedicated to those brave men who gave their lives to secure our liberty. The coldest season is upon us again. Gone are the long days of summer. Instead winter nights are drawing in, and the cold weather is back with a vengeance. Fields once exploding with vibrant colour are now barren and bleak; trees stripped of their leaves extend gnarled bony fingers towards the grey skyline. People hurry about to avoid the bitter temperatures, while depression sets in and viruses prepare to attack when our resistance to disease is at its lowest. December marks the beginning of winter, so we are asking you to send us your poems about this hostile and frigid season. Maybe you find the long winter nights threatening, dark and uninviting? It could be that you love winter, enjoy its stark beauty and only feel truly alive when the rain lashes your skin and the wind blows through your hair, stimulating your senses beyond endurance. Whatever your viewpoint send your poems. While children love the festive season, eagerly anticipating the big day, the destitute and the lonely dread it. Christians rejoice for the birth of their saviour, whilst others begrudge the ‘season of peace and goodwill to all men’. During December we are asking for your poetry reflecting your views on Christmas. Make this a Christmas to remember and send your entries now. September & October 2004 September brings us National Grandparents Day and to commemorate this event and to honour Grandparents past and present, we are asking for poetry reflecting memories and recollections of them. Maybe your Grandma spent endless hours in the kitchen creating the most delicious cakes and mouth-watering delicacies, or your Grandpa sat in his favourite chair moaning incessantly about the changing world. Were you spoilt by them, or were they Victorian and austere in their treatment of you? A poem can be the perfect tribute, so put pen to paper and send your entries! Autumn is approaching. The nights are drawing in and our children are returning to school. Chilly temperatures are encroaching upon us and animals are preparing for hibernation whilst we dig out our winter woollies to keep warm. How does autumn make you feel - enthralled by the myriad of vibrant colours and delighted at the crisp sound of leaves crunching underfoot? Or do you dread its arrival and wish that you could also hibernate until the return of spring? Let us know your thoughts on this multifaceted season. Family, friends and pets. Those we hold dearly and cherish in our lives are sometimes further apart than we care for. We are giving you the opportunity to share with the world your appreciation for those that you care for. Whether you be parted by land or water, or have lost someone recently, we ask you to praise them in the fitting tribute of poetry. October the 31st is the night ghouls, witches, goblins and the living dead are reputed to walk the earth terrifying mortals. The ancient Celts believed they could only be appeased by presents of food from the living. Nowadays children in fancy dress knock on doors, trick or treating, to receive gifts of money, sweets and fruit. How do you view Hallowe’en - a fun night out for you and the kids, or an evening dreading a knock on your own door? Love it or hate it, we would love to hear what you think about this spooky tradition. July & August 2004 Everyone has their own special place, a place where you feel at ease - your perfect paradise. Whether it is the town in which you live or a foreign country you visit every year, we would like to know where it is and what you like about your particular destination. Perhaps you could send your poems in on a postcard from your favourite location or this year’s holiday destination. Send us your postcard poem for the chance to win a set of postcards with your winning poem on them. Warning – not for the faint-hearted! Can you believe that 70% of women have never experienced an orgasm? Or that 80% of those women regularly fake them? This year is the fourth annual campaign to bring attention to their plight. July 31st is National Orgasm Day, and we thought it would be great fun to ask for submissions of erotic verse, to commemorate this potentially happy day. So if you feel you can draw on your personal experiences to create verse that is titillating, sensual and seductively suggestive, sexual innuendo and passionate intrigue are the order of the day. We would love to hear from you. The UK National Criminal Intelligence report is out in August, setting out the priorities for law enforcement over the coming year with regards to tackling organised crime. We are looking for poems about crime in our society. No matter what actions we take to lower the crime rate, it is still and always will be a part of everyday life. Do you think enough is done to reduce criminal action? This is a subject we can all debate and we are interested to know your views. Send us a poem today about crime on our streets. Summer’s doors are open again, time to top up your tan, get stuck in with the gardening or kick off your flip flops, sit back and gaze at the beautiful landscapes that are highlighted by the summer rays. What a perfect opportunity to compose a poem that describes what you love about summer. Is it the smell of fresh cut grass? The opportunity to fire up the BBQ? Waking up to a chorus of bird song with the sunshine beaming down on you? Whatever inspires you about the summer we want to hear about it, send us a poem today!
Sixty years ago on June 13th 1944, Doodlebugs or Buzz bombs as they were commonly referred to, blitzed London. Britain was at war with Germany so blackouts, gas masks, air raids and rationing were the conversation of the day. Many children were evacuated to the countryside, and women went to work to enable the men to fight for King and Country. While at home our shores were defended by retired soldiers, known as the Home Guard, and Internment Camps were set up to house foreign spies. Maybe you grew up during the war, if so what effect did it have on you and your family? Perhaps you were evacuated and have a funny anecdote to share. Or you may have heard stories that have fired your imagination. Whatever your experience or viewpoint, we would love to hear from you.
Someone who will be there for us without a second thought, offer us support through the tough times and protect us from harm when need be. That incredible person is our Father. All the things they do for us and the unconditional love they give, most definitely needs rewarding. 20th June is Father’s Day, a perfect opportunity to show how much respect we have for them, and what better way to do it than in the form of a poem - an everlasting tribute to your Dad. Why not tell everyone how proud you are to call him ‘my Dad’ after all, words can only begin to compare to the amazing input he has had in your life.
Throughout our lifetime people come and go; faces, everyday acquaintances, are there one minute and then gone the next. Friends are different. Friends are there through the good times and the bad. A true friend is for life. We all have a special friend that we remember; someone who, no matter what, will always have a special place in our hearts. We are inviting you to re-live that friendship and immortalise a friend forever in the form of a poem.
A poem is an invention in itself, but a poem that surprises the reader is even more ingenious. We are currently looking for poems that lead the reader to believe that the poem is about a certain theme or object, before catching the reader out at the end. So if you think you can create a poem with a ‘twist in the tale’, get writing today!
Finally spring is here. The long dark days of winter are fading fast. The season of reflection and hibernation is over, the season for action and renewal is here and so is Easter! Easter is the most important part of spring; for some it is a time of remembrance for the sacrifice Jesus made, and for his resurrection – symbolising new life and new beginnings. People celebrate this in many ways; by going to church services, or exchanging gifts of Easter eggs and cards between one another. Yet some would argue that Easter has become too commercialised and that many forget the real meaning of this important occasion. With this in mind we would like you to share your Easter Inspirations in the form of a poem. We want to know what it means to you and how you celebrate this special time of year. Perhaps the season itself, with the colourful scenes of new life springing fourth into our lives could even be your favourite aspect.
So many of us have said ‘I am going to quit today’! No matter how hard we try it seems a never-ending battle to kick the habit. Whether it’s biting your nails or starting a diet, or more seriously - gambling or alcohol, it often feels like one of the toughest things that we endeavour to do every day. Perhaps those New Year’s Resolutions made only a couple of months ago have already been broken? If smoking is the dilemma then why not have a go for No Smoking Day on 10th March and write a poem every time you reach for the packet. Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who got through it? We would enjoy hearing about it and who knows, your words of wisdom could encourage other people to do the same. Whether you suffer from an addiction, habit or obsession or know someone who drives you up the wall with their habits, we want to hear about it in poetic form.
"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." Jewish Proverb Of all the friends we have in the world there is one who will always be there for us, supporting us and giving us advice no matter what we have done! That person is our mum. For all the times our mothers have helped and supported us, how about giving something back? Well here’s your chance because on 21st March it’s their day. We are looking for poems that reflect the essential role mothers play in our lives. To show just how much you care and appreciate them, we would like you to write a poem dedicated to your mum. Why not tell others about the person you admire, by putting pen to paper, and submitting your dedication or ‘thank you’ to your mum.
Every one of us has possessions and memories that we treasure. Favourite pastimes, activities, or recreational hobbies we enjoy undertaking. The best things in life are all of these, adding pizzazz to an otherwise flavourless reality. Consider for a moment the best things in your life, what do you value most? It could be anything at all, whatever makes your life special and would be impossible to do without. A favourite sport, pop group, TV programme, mischievous pet, or indulging yourself with a box of chocolates. The list could be endless! Share your thoughts with us in poetic verse. New Beginnings The start of the new year is the beginning of a new era. We have made it through 2003. What are your thoughts and feelings of the last year? Have you completed ambitions of your own or watched others achieve their dreams? How did this make you feel? What about your hopes and aspirations for the future? What would you like to see, world peace, global environmental issues addressed, aid for the third world increased or a decline in crime? All these issues are something which we as a nation feel strongly about. But what does a new beginning mean to you? Maybe a new start in your life, a birth of a baby, a new year’s resolution that you will not break! Or maybe you are just looking forward to what’s still to come. Whatever your views are on New Beginnings we want to know about them in the form of a poem. Poetic Tributes How often have the actions or characteristics of another person inspired a poet? Maybe an unselfish act by a passer-by on the street, maybe a mother’s kiss as she waves goodbye to her child or maybe the smile of a grandparent at the first sight of their grandchild. Tributes have been written by poets to honour the people who have influenced their lives. Poetry is a wonderful way of saying ‘thank you’. Do you have a friend or family member who makes your day special; someone with whom you share the warm, summer days or the fireside in winter? Why not tell others about the person you admire, by putting pen to paper, and submitting your tribute or ‘thank you’. Valentine Verse Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us, and our thoughts will turn to love. Think back to your first love, lost love; and the love you feel today for the special person in your life. Some say you know you’re in love when your heart skips a beat every time you see or speak to your loved one, or you know you’d lay down your life for them. If you’re finding it hard to tell the person of your dreams how you feel, what better way to express your undying love than by writing them a poem, unlike material gifts such as flowers, a poem from the heart will last forever. One Wish ‘A wish is a dream your heart makes’, but what would you wish for if you were given the chance to have it granted? It could be peace on earth, the opportunity of meeting your idol or a long-lost friend. Or maybe something simpler like quiet neighbours or children! In this hectic world we live in, it’s difficult to find time to stop and think and take a good look at our lives. We are asking you to do just that. Find a quiet spot on your own and take time out to discover your very own dreams and fantasies. The choice is yours, we are looking forward to reading and sharing your wishes from the heart. December 2003 Christmas Children love this time of year and look forward in eager anticipation to opening their presents on the big day. The destitute and the lonely dread it. Christians all over the world rejoice for the birth of their saviour. Whilst others begrudge the whole event, believing the entire exercise to be commercialism gone mad. What are we referring to? Christmas of course! The season of peace and goodwill to all men. For some, a magical time of hope and opportunity, for others a time to endure until it's over. During December we are requesting poetry reflecting your views on Christmas. So whether you enjoy the festive season, believe it is a complete waste of time and money, or find it depressingly lonely, we are waiting to hear from you. Make this a Christmas to remember and send your entries now. Winter The coldest season of the year is upon us once again. Gone are the long lazy days of summer. Instead winter nights are drawing in, and the cold weather is back with a vengeance. Fields once exploding with vibrant colour are now barren and bleak to the human eye. Trees stripped of their leaves extend gnarled bony fingers towards the grey skyline. People hurry about to avoid the bitter temperatures, while depression sets in and viruses prepare to attack when our resistance to disease is at its lowest point. December marks the beginning of winter, so we are asking you to send us your poems about this hostile and frigid season. May be you find the long winter nights threatening, dark and uninviting? It could be that you love winter, enjoy its stark beauty and only feel truly alive when the rain lashes your skin and the wind blows menacingly through your hair, stimulating your senses beyond endurance. Whatever your viewpoint don't delay, send your entries to us now. Down Memory Lane We all sit and ponder about the good old days. It is often our way of escaping the realities of today. Times past seem so inviting and often lead us on a sentimental journey that can bring back all those emotions that we felt at the time. Do you often think back to the days when you were young and how different it was then? There were no computer games to while away the time. Playing football, hopscotch or tig in the street were just a few ways we entertained ourselves. How did you spend your days? Have these times gone forever? We are looking for your thoughts, so why not take a stroll down memory lane and pen a poem or two. Animal Rights Can animal experimentation ever be morally justified? Does animal experimentation benefit human beings? Are you supportive of animal experimentation? On 10th December 2003, anti-vivisection campaigners worldwide will mark the 6th International Animal Rights Day with candlelit vigils at animal testing sites. The campaigners believe that the vigils are a powerful and dignified demand for the natural rights of all animals not to be deliberately exploited, harmed and killed. The campaigners' ultimate aim is to abolish vivisection - they believe that animal experiments represent the most intense form of cruelty in the history of humanity. Other people believe it is easy to lose sight of the advantages through this work with animals. Behind the scare stories there lies an ever-growing number of successes in the field of human medicine. For many years, humans have benefited from the healthcare advances that animal based research has achieved. In the last 20 years the annual number of animals in scientific research has halved and this number continues to fall. What are your views on this ethical dilemma? Write down your thoughts and feelings in poetry for a forthcoming StrongWords anthology. November 2003 Bonfire Night ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November The 5th of November - children all over the country cheerfully anticipate this momentous occasion. A blaze of colourful and exotic fireworks explodes spectacularly against the ebony velvet of the sky at night. Huge bonfires with effigies of Guy Fawkes on top are burnt. Our senses are bombarded with the appetising aromas of various hot foods, tantalised by the fragrance of burning wood, and mesmerised by the crackling yellow and orange flames warming our skins from the fires. Flames leaping and dancing appearing to reach for the fireworks overhead. During the month of November we are asking for poetry expressing your feelings regarding November 5th. You might feel it’s just a bit of harmless fun that has no real meaning. Or maybe you believe that in celebrating the thwarting of a catholic conspiracy to blow James I and the Houses of Parliament into oblivion in 1605, we are making martyrs of the traitors involved? Whatever your views, we would love to hear them.’ The date 11th November 1918 will mean something to everyone, but to some it means so much more, as the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month signalled the end of years of terror and misery as the 1st World War ended. Even though the death and fear ceased, for some the haunting memories war left them will stay forever. This November marks 85 years since the guns fell silent over the battlefields and to honour this occasion, we are looking for poems for a special anthology dedicated to those brave men who gave their lives to secure our liberty. Whispers from the Dark Have you ever been walking home and thought that you heard footsteps behind you but every time you turn around there is nothing there? Have you ever heard creaking floorboards or seen figures in the dark coming out at you? There is something about being on your own in the house or surrounded by darkness that makes the imagination run wild. We all remember when we were young, checking under our beds for monsters or hiding under our covers where we felt safe and secure. We would like you to share with us what scary moments you have encountered, whether they are just a figment of your imagination or you believe them to be real. Rib-tickling Moments ‘Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone’ Ella Wheeler Wilcox ‘Solitude’ ‘There was a young man from Forward Press Sharon Spencer – Forward Press Ltd Are you game for a laugh? Can you write a poem to make us giggle and smile without losing the poetic feel? If you can, then we want to know. The poems can be on any subject, but the funnier the better! We’re looking for humorous poems to make our sides split and jaws ache. So if you have a funny story to tell, a limerick that lingers or an anecdote that’s an antidote to the forthcoming winter nights, then we are waiting to hear from you. October 2003 Inspired by Nature Imagine for a moment the smell of freshly cut grass. Close your eyes and envisage white clouds aimlessly drifting across an azure sky. Remember the spring when the buds bursting forth on the trees filled you with excitement. Think of newborn lambs, golden sunsets, and warm sandy beaches with water gently lapping the shoreline. Mother Nature certainly provides us with a truly remarkable and ever changing kaleidoscope of colours and textures from which to draw inspiration. Have you ever taken the time to stop and appreciate the splendour of nature, realise what a beautiful world we enjoy, and marvel at the wonders our surroundings have to offer? Or is life such a rush that you can only take it for granted? During the month of October we are asking for poems reflecting your views on nature, so please don’t delay, send your entries now. Every Poem Tells A Story Everybody loves to be told a story, and an accomplished storyteller can capture the reader’s attention from the very first sentence. The art of storytelling is a wonderfully creative way to stimulate the imagination, planting visions and concepts in the mind to grow and flourish unrestrainedly. When telling a story it is potentially possible to lead the reader on a journey where any imagery, fantasy or destination is probable. The same can also be said of poetry, so when you combine the two, it is tantamount to playing with dynamite. The 25th October 2003 marks National Tell A Story Day, so to commemorate this literary celebration write a story poem. All you poets with a story to tell, grab your pen and paper, give your imagination a free reign, then let the explosions of creativity commence. Beggar My Neighbour In this country people like to pride themselves on their humanity and compassion towards others in distress: when a major disaster occurs, or desperate migrants arrive here to escape persecution and torture in their homeland. We reach out to ease their suffering, and offer them a safe harbour to shelter from the storm. However whilst we may be at the forefront when it comes to foreign aid, how do we fare in our treatment of the poverty stricken homeless community that is a part of Britain? There was the recent case of a man who was arrested 97 times for begging. If you take the time to walk the streets late at night you will find people with nothing but a cardboard box for a bed. These are fellow human beings, with various and quite often tragic circumstances. We are interested to hear your views on this emotive subject. Perhaps you feel beggars are an inconvenience who should be cleared out of our localities, or may be you believe more could be done to help these less fortunate members of our society. Halloween October the 31st is the night ghouls, witches, goblins and the living dead are reputed to walk the earth terrifying unsuspecting mortals. The ancient Celts believed they could only be appeased by presents of food from the living. Nowadays children in fancy dress knock on doors, trick or treating, in their quest to receive gifts of money, sweets and fruit. How do you view Halloween? Is it a fun night out for you and the kids, or do you spend the entire evening dreading a knock on your door? Love it or hate it, whatever your viewpoint we would love to hear what you think about this spooky tradition. September 2003 Serendipity Do you believe in fate, or when something goes right do you attribute it to good luck? Quite often we make fortunate discoveries accidentally and our lives are changed for the better. Is this because lady luck has chosen to shine on us, or was it pre-destined and meant to happen? Grandparents The month of September brings us National Grandparents Day. To commemorate this happy event, and to honour Grandparents past and present, we are asking for poetry reflecting your memories and recollections of them. Were you spoilt rotten by them, or were they very Victorian and austere in their treatment of you? Perhaps you are a Grandparent, who would like us to know how it feels, and the benefits that it brings? Remember that a poem can be the perfect tribute, so put pen to paper and send your entries now. A Right Royal Controversy? It has now been 50 years since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and our thousand-year-old Monarchy still remains strong and unique, undoubtedly helping draw in foreign tourists. Many people argue that the monarchy still retains a valid and useful position in today’s world whereas others believe they serve no real function in modern society and put an extra burden on the taxpayer. Everyone has an opinion and we would love to hear it. What are your views on the royal family? Are they a source of pride or simply embarrassing? Autumn Autumn is now approaching, the nights are drawing in and our children are returning to school. How does Autumn make you feel? Are you enthralled by the myriad of vibrant colours this season brings? Delighted at the crisp sound of the leaves crunching underfoot? Or do you dread its arrival, and wish that you could hide away like many animals until the return of Spring. Let us know your opinions on the multifaceted season. Triolet What is a Triolet? Sounds like an exotic ice cream or a french dessert doesn’t it? Well then you might be surprised to learn that a Triolet, to put it simply, is a poem of eight lines. With the first line repeating and the fourth and seventh, and the second as the eighth. Interested? Want to know more? Then take a look at the Triolet Workshop, which will explain far more eloquently than I; and try your hand at writing one. Remember the poems can be on any subject you like, but please make sure you stick to the rules of the form. August 2003 Remembering Friends Throughout our lifetime people come and go; faces, everyday acquaintances, are there one minute and then gone the next. Friends are different. Friends are there through the good times and the bad. A true friend is for life. We all have a special friend that we remember; someone who, no matter what, will always have a special place in our hearts. We are inviting you to re-live that friendship and immortalise a friend forever in the form of a poem. Ding Dong Bells come in different shapes and sizes and mean different things to different people. To some a bell symbolises the call to church, to others they remember police cars dashing down the street with the bell ringing. And of course who can forget the infamous call of the Avon lady? Tell us what a bell, in its many guises, means to you. Visions of Colour Imagine a world devoid of colour. How drab and lifeless would it be? There would no longer be emerald green fields with yellow buttercups swaying in the cool evening breeze to appreciate. Or beautiful azure skies and fluffy white clouds to contemplate at our leisure. Colours play an important part in our lives. They can warn us of impending danger, cheer us up when we are unhappy or stimulate our senses giving us a warm glow and a spring in our step. Each one of us has a favourite colour, so pick one and let your imagination do the rest. A Gallery of Poems As we flick through the photograph album we often come across a picture that sparks our imagination. It could be a photo of your gran that stirs many memories, or it could be a picture of a country scene that sends images racing through your mind. This month we are inviting you to send a photo with a poem to accompany it. The photos can be in colour or black and white and the poems must relate to it. All photos will be published in black and white along with the poem. July 2003 My Love... July 6th is National Kissing Day! To commemorate we are inviting you to share with us what love means to you. Do you believe in love at first sight: Has it ever happened to you? They say that you never forget your first true love. We want you to share with us the emotions that you feel when you’re in love. Maybe you find it difficult to tell your partner how much you love them, well now’s the chance to put your feelings into words. Poems for Children July also marks Beatrix Potter’s birthday. As a tribute to one of the nation’s best loved children’s authors we are seeking poems for children for a series of special anthologies that will consist of poems solely for children. We all know that children love to be told tall tales, no matter how fantastic or far fetched - in fact, the more unbelievable the better! Summer Holiday The summer holidays are finally upon us. Many of us dream about jetting away to a deserted beach on tropical shores whilst others find the prospect of hiking up hills and down dales more appealing. Whatever your ideal holiday, we want to hear about it. Tell us about the traumas you have faced or the most perfect holiday of your life. Legends According to legend if it rains on St Swithin’s day it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights. We grow up with many such old wives’ tales. This month, as a challenge, we would like you to write your favourite legends into poetic form. They can be stories of heroic figures such as Robin Hood or the history behind old wives’ tales such as 3 times a bridesmaid never a bride. June 2003 Limerick Limericks are popular the world over and we all learn them from a young age. This month we want you to pen your own and make us chuckle. They can be on any subject but remember to stick to the rules. The World’s Beauty Once again we have reached the time of year where we feel the sun’s rays on our faces and feel positive and uplifted. The joys of summer affect us all; we may take more time to travel out of the hustle and bustle of the busy city to the countryside to take in the beauty that is all around us. We invite you to share with us your experiences of the world’s beauty. Childhood Memories Reputed to be the best days of our lives, it’s funny how we do not appreciate them until they are gone. Looking back ten, twenty or even fifty years, we remember those things that still bring a smile to our faces. Along with our fondest memories, we also have some of the saddest. That time when we reach a certain age and we realise that life is finite, the lessons of life we learn the hard way and the discovery that the tooth fairy is not real. Whatever memories you hold firmly in your mind we would love to hear about it. Missing You Family, friends and pets. Those people we hold dearly and cherish in our lives are sometimes further apart than we would like them to be. We all love to talk about those we love and now we are giving you the opportunity to share with the world your appreciation for these people. Whether you be separated by land or water or have lost someone dear to you, we ask you to praise them in the fitting tribute of a poem. May 2003 Twelve Good Men? On February 14th Clara Harris was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for running down her cheating husband after suffering the hurt and humiliation of discovering he was having an affair. The mother of four-year-old twin boys claimed she was overcome with ‘sudden passion’ when she found her husband and his lover together in a hotel parking lot. Jurors could have given her a sentence ranging from two to 20 years. They chose the maximum allowed. In 1997 Joseph Swinburne killed his wife by stabbing her 11 times when she told him she was leaving him for another man. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 200 hours community service. WomensWords, Forward Press’ female poetry imprint, is looking for your thoughts on how the justice system serves men and women. Do we really have ‘equality’ when women are still being jailed for killing men they are too afraid to leave, whilst men are - quite literally - getting away with murder by citing ‘nagging’ as sufficient provocation? Celebrations in Verse For many of us, our first experience of writing poetry is prompted by a special occasion such as the birth of a child, a special anniversary or the birthday of a loved one. Even those who claim to have no interest in poetry will spend hours pouring over the verses inside greetings cards, often feeling frustrated that the mass-produced verses never quite seem to ‘hit the spot’. We are looking to produce a very special anthology, featuring handcrafted words of celebration, joy and comfort for all occasions. Writer’s Block and Other Sources of Inspiration! Almost all of us have been struck by the dreaded ‘Writer’s Block’ at some point or another. We know we want to write something but the words just won’t flow. Either we stare aimlessly at a blank sheet of paper or else find ourselves bombarded with half-thoughts and flights of fancy. We are compiling a unique anthology that turns the problem of writer’s block on its head. Write about your lack of inspiration; the frustration of feeling a poem but not having the words to go with it; or that collection of part-sentences that just won’t gel. Short Shorts Torn between the decision to be a poet or a short story author, well now you can have both. This season, we are giving you the opportunity to take the best of both worlds and create a short story of no more than 250 words to be included in our anthologies. Whether it be a frightening spine chiller full of deception and trickery or a light-hearted, timeless fairy tale, we are waiting to read your creations. Make them as original as possible and so full of twists and turns you will have us all tied up in knots! March 2003 A Time for Rhyme Since the first blossoming movement of contemporary verse many people have turned their back on the purest form; poems that rhyme and scan easily on the untrained eye. Not only has this forced many of the traditionalists to take a back bench in their pursuit of poetic endeavours but many of its would be followers have been driven away by the complexity of the modern style. We are now asking you to challenge the modern movement and help us to compile an ultimate collection of traditional rhyming verse. We need you to share the true enjoyment of poetry - planting the rhyming style firmly back at it’s roots. The only rule of this submission invited is that the poem has to rhyme. The Sonnet Challenge Take a look at the workshop and try your hand at a sonnet. Your poem can be on any subject - but try to stick to the rules of the form. Poetic Portraits Poetic Portraits is an ideal opportunity to showcase your poetry alongside a picture of your choice. Send us your poems that paint a portrait of an inspiring landscape, your nearest and dearest, the things that really mean something to you. By including a picture/photograph of your choice, it can be included alongside your poem; to compliment the picture you have painted in words. Spring is in the Air Whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring, spring is in the air. The winter nights are ending, and new life is beginning. March arrives and nature starts to wake from its winter slumber. The clocks go forward, the daffodils appear, mad march hares start boxing and we all look forward to the coming of the sun. How do you feel at this time of year? Does it put a spring in your step? Are you looking forward to the coming months? Does it draw you in and unleash your inspiration? Finding Faith In today’s society many of us are left questioning our faith, especially in the apparent careless society of today. Bombarded constantly through the newspapers and television we witness daily the darker side of human life. Faith gives us the strength to believe that, no matter what, the Lord is still ever present and will guide us towards the truth and righteousness. For some, the journey to faith is a tricky one with many pitfalls to overcome, whilst for others the journey has just begun. In Troubled Times In the looming shadow of war, we are once again thrown into a world of uncertainty. We are staring terrorism in the face and are unsure how to deal with it. Recent events have brought home to us just how much the world is in danger. We can no longer ignore these problems and take freedom for granted. We would like you to share with us your concerns on not only this but other ongoing disputes such as in Northern Ireland, religious warfare and also environmental issues. With the events going on around us we are forced to think what effect this is having on us and what the future may bring. Will our children learn from our mistakes or will they be born into a world of hatred and fear? February 2003 Animal Antics Pets come in all shapes and sizes, but they also have one thing in common - with plenty of love and dedication they can truly become our faithful companions. We are looking for poems which express your love for animals, whether they be a dog, cat, horse or gerbil! It could be a poem about their antics, habits or why they mean so much to you. So why not show your love for your pet - cute, cuddly, furry or feathery - by sending your poems (and pictures!) in for all to enjoy. Down Memory Lane We all sit and ponder on days gone by, it is often our way of finding a simpler time. Times past seem so inviting and often lead us on a sentimental journey that can bring back all those emotions that we felt at the time. Which days do you think back on with a smile? Building snowmen, days in the sun, playing football, hopscotch or tig in the streets for hours on end were just a few of the ways entertainment was found. How did you spend your days growing up? Have these times gone forever? Poetic Prayers As I lay me down to sleep, A
A Milne Many people across the world pray each night. Using a version of this poem, The Lord’s Prayer, or reciting a personal prayer, they ask for the well being of family, friends and people in need. Now is your chance for your own special prayer to be captured in verse. We are looking for your poems of prayer, offering praise for the things you have or asking for comfort and understanding for those in need. The Natural World We invite you to share with us your thoughts on nature’s wonders. Whether it be the surrounding countryside’s, babbling brooks or the grace of a bird in flight. We want to hear your views on what makes nature special to you. We often go back to nature to escape the humdrum of daily life, to relax and feel at ease. Now is the time to catch that thought in a poem. Valentine's Day Poetry It's Valentine's Day on the 14th February. Write a poem for that special someone in your life. The highs; the lows, the quiets and the quarrels, all the aspects of your innermost thoughts. Kyrielle Peruse the workshop and see if you can pen a kyrielle. Difficult at first but with practice who knows what may happen? Your poem can be on any subject - but try to stick to the rules of the form. Tributes Sometimes thank you is not enough to express your gratitude to the people you are close to. Family, friends, partners, are all there through the good and not so good times. Tributes offers the opportunity to say how you feel about that someone special in the form of a poem. Who do you feel deserves to be immortalised in poetic verse? The World We Live In How has your day been? Do you ever wonder at the madness of the world we live in today? With crime on the increase, the cost of living getting out of hand and global pollution poisoning the planet, do you recognise it at all? How different is modern civilisation to the days gone by? Can you really believe in what the papers and news coverage bombard us with 24 hours a day? Has it really ever been safe to leave doors unlocked? We want to know your views in the form of a poem on daily life in 2003, the trials we all face and our resolve we find to overcome the difficulties modern life incurs. Star Crossed Love Throughout history many sad tales of lost love have been passed down from generation to generation. Famous lovers have been kept apart by many different circumstances: their families, the values of the society they live within, the plotting of others to destroy them and many other cruel twists of fate. Think of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, two of the most powerful leaders of their times; but powerless against the forces of destiny that tore them apart. Cathy and Heathcliffe; destined to be separated by the class divide and his lack of wealth and position. Oscar Wilde and his beloved ‘Bosie’; a love that scandalised Victorian England and who could forget those most famous of all star crossed lovers; Romeo and Juliet? These stories have become symbolic to us, they will live on in the hearts of the world forever. Can you write a poem that encompasses the tales of these or other famous lovers? Consider the tales of Hades and Persephone, Roxanne and Cyrano de Bergerac, Othello and Desdemona and many, many others. Can you capture the beauty and emotion lived out in these romances? Perhaps you have your own story of star crossed love to share in poetic form. Have you experienced the pain of a broken heart; the wrench of losing your soul mate? Write a verse that makes us feel the ache of your heart. Share your deepest emotions and strongest passions with us to create a piece of writing that will burn in the mind of the reader as long as your ardour burns inside you. Submission Guidelines: A maximum of 2 poems per theme and of no more than 30 lines in length each, will be considered. The address to send your
poem(s) to is: General Poetry, Forward Press Ltd, Remus House, Coltsfoot Drive, Peterborough PE2 9JX Alternatively, you can email us your poems: inbox@forwardpress.co.uk (Please include your name and postal address.) |
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Monthly Themes
War on the Homefront
Poems for Dad
Remembering Friends
Poems with a Twist
Easter Inspirations
Addictions, Habits And Obsessions
Poems For Mum
Best Things In Life
