What's the last poem you read?

Introductions and starting the big share

Well hello,

I did have an alternative first post for this new Substack drafted, sharing some thoughts on how to write 100 poems in a year. But then I realised that what I really wanted to do is say hello, say a massive thank you for being here and have some introductions.

(I will tell you that I spent a lovely half hour perusing stationery yesterday. And my new journal is now poised. There are 1-100 blank spaces waiting to be filled. Which I feel demonstrates intent. And is exciting. I cannot wait to chat more about this shortly.)

I found this journal featuring art by Morgan Harper Nichols. Which felt entirely appropriate!

In the meantime, can we say hello?

I want to know whether people write poetry currently - are you purely a reader or a writer too? Maybe neither right now?! What brought you here? And what is the last poem that you read and loved?

Now, let me tell you a story about this final question. On my first ever poetry course I was asked to bring along my favourite poem and I panicked. I was relatively new to reading poetry. I wondered if I needed to choose something that sounded ‘clever?’ Written by someone who was critically acclaimed? Whether, if I went mainstream, I would look like an idiot. I’d heard the term “Insta-poet” and I knew enough to know that it wasn’t meant kindly. What counted as Insta-Poetry? Dared I share a poem, God-forbid, written by a woman who was making poetry more accessible than ever via her own widely-read social media account thereby bypassing all the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing world? I’m not for one second dismissing critical acclaim or traditional publishing here BTW, just acknowledging that poetry can feel a bit daunting and inaccessible. It feels like this is changing, which is thrilling.

Anyway, the tutor (who was ruddy wonderful, I’m trying to get her to come and collaborate on here soon, fingers crossed), taught me to never feel awkward about enjoying and celebrating ‘Insta-Poetry’ again. That you can like whatever the hell you like. The group shared wildly different styles of poetry on wildly different topics and it was a beautiful, beautiful thing.

I will, no doubt, be waiting to unwrap every single poem that is shared like a kid on Christmas morning. Could this really be the start of a whole new poetry sharing place? And all these new connections too? Oh my goodness I hope so. Are we doing this? I think we are…

So, hey. I’m Nelly. I read and write poetry. I love it. I’m here to meet others who like to geek out about poetry. To discover new poetry and new inspiration. I’m hoping to finish my second poetry book this year. I have no idea what I’m doing. Most days.

I nearly asked us to share a favourite poem but personally that would make me over-think the question for three weeks and never comment. So, instead, here is the last poem which I read and liked.

Feel free to share any poem that you’ve enjoyed at any point, OR don’t share a poem at all, just say hello. Anything goes.

John O’Donohue, Time to be Slow, from the Poetry Pharmacy Forever.

Over to you.

Let’s get this gorgeous circle-like poetry-love in started…

Nelly x