Shore Poets

I really enjoyed last night. I was first up, which was terrifying and good in equal measure.

Colin Will was there, as well as Alan Gay, Mike Davenport and Mary Johnstone from my Tyne and Esk poety group. And there were a few faces from the SPL School of Poets group too.

I think I read as well as I could have, and I got a lot of kind and complimentary comments afterwards. So another experience under my belt, and good practice for the National Galleries event in mid April.

I sometimes wonder why I do these things to myself, but secretly I know that challenging yourself is the best way to still feel like you are alive and engaged with life.

Though I must admit that at times I despair of this world, Tibet, Dafur, the Middle East, Zimbabwe...

But this morning there is glimmer of hope for Zimbanwe. Let's hope its long trial is about to end. The average life expectancy for a woman there has fallen from 67 to 34! Its people deserve so much more than that. It is a rich land in many ways - may today be the start of better things.


Photo is of St Mary's Pleasance, Haddington at the height of the summer. We're on our way back!