Saturday, 3 December 2011
100 Poem Challenge poetry collection - for sale!
Head over to this blog post for details on how to buy the 100 Poem Challenge poetry collection! x
Saturday, 26 November 2011
A quick little blog post.
All the poems on postcards from 100 Poem Challenge have been posted. If you're in the UK, you should have yours by now. If you're further away, you should receive your postcard next week. Hurrah!
In the next week or so, I will be selling limited edition collections of the 100 poems from the 100 Poem Challenge, bound together, numbered and signed, with a beautiful cover illustrated by the lovely Greg McLeod [who is also illustrating Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops].
Look, here's the cover:
Pretty, no? There will be 200 copies. They will go on sale on my main blog. All proceeds go to EEC International. [*cough*they will make nice Christmas presents*cough*]. Greg's just finishing up the artwork for the back cover and, once that's done, they will whizz off to the printers. Check back soon.x
All the poems on postcards from 100 Poem Challenge have been posted. If you're in the UK, you should have yours by now. If you're further away, you should receive your postcard next week. Hurrah!
In the next week or so, I will be selling limited edition collections of the 100 poems from the 100 Poem Challenge, bound together, numbered and signed, with a beautiful cover illustrated by the lovely Greg McLeod [who is also illustrating Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops].
Look, here's the cover:
Pretty, no? There will be 200 copies. They will go on sale on my main blog. All proceeds go to EEC International. [*cough*they will make nice Christmas presents*cough*]. Greg's just finishing up the artwork for the back cover and, once that's done, they will whizz off to the printers. Check back soon.x
Monday, 7 November 2011
Challenge Complete!
At ten minutes to midnight, I completed my 100 Poem Challenge - writing 100 poems in 48 hours for charity. Hurrah! There was much stress, and some swearing, and definitely not much sleep, but I got there in the end. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me on Twitter throughout the weekend. I couldn't have done it without you!
You can read all one hundred poems over here.
If you like what you see, please consider donating some pennies.
You can read all one hundred poems over here.
If you like what you see, please consider donating some pennies.
Lots of love x
Sunday, 6 November 2011
#100
There is field, and we are in it.
This is it, you say
crouching low over your shoes.
We prepared to leave as
milk bottles came
chose instead the ones
the tide brings - green
buckets on ropes
hanging low
from our shoulders. We
find the cows out
in the field. A drunken farmer
too busy making
snow angels. We milk instead
then walk the twelve
miles to the beach
avoiding slot machines
until our beds are checked.
On the edge of the pier
we can begin again
to see ourselves. We dip
chipped mugs deep in buckets
for our bones.
[tag word: ENDING - Jen Campbell @aeroplanegirl]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#99
Buckled shoes on
the edge. She feels
small talk rising
in her stomach.
When you think
and when you look:
it's still long way down.
[tag word: TRICKLE - @12books12months]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
the edge. She feels
small talk rising
in her stomach.
When you think
and when you look:
it's still long way down.
[tag word: TRICKLE - @12books12months]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#98
Pandora resents her parents
for the name they threw upon her.
She wears it on a pin badge
lest they ever forget
why she binned her favorite jewellery case.
And how
she's never invited to birthdays
because presents makes her nervous.
These days she sleeps, closed,
as Schrodinger's cat -
wanting them guessing.
If she's in one box, she reasons
then she won't open another.
[tag word: SALVATION - Stella @StellaKateT]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
for the name they threw upon her.
She wears it on a pin badge
lest they ever forget
why she binned her favorite jewellery case.
And how
she's never invited to birthdays
because presents makes her nervous.
These days she sleeps, closed,
as Schrodinger's cat -
wanting them guessing.
If she's in one box, she reasons
then she won't open another.
[tag word: SALVATION - Stella @StellaKateT]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#97
We drive to places in the countryside our mouths
cannot pronounce. We spend hours climbing trees there.
You stamp on the earth to make sure it will remember us.
[tag word: BEAUTY - Chloe Henderson @ChloeHenderson9]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
cannot pronounce. We spend hours climbing trees there.
You stamp on the earth to make sure it will remember us.
[tag word: BEAUTY - Chloe Henderson @ChloeHenderson9]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#96
As the very last
in line for living
he hiccoughed in the wind.
Stood on rocks
to look for shipwrecks.
Counted years
off on webbed toes.
[tag word: ENDLING - Tom Atherton]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
in line for living
he hiccoughed in the wind.
Stood on rocks
to look for shipwrecks.
Counted years
off on webbed toes.
[tag word: ENDLING - Tom Atherton]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#95
In the middle of the night,
we rewrite the world's beginnings.
Let our bed frame grow
its branches back, and
cover us with leaves.
[tag word: DANIEL - @boyofmelody]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
we rewrite the world's beginnings.
Let our bed frame grow
its branches back, and
cover us with leaves.
[tag word: DANIEL - @boyofmelody]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#94
Too much of her: he'd die.
Too little: life was bitter.
[tag word: SUGAR - @al_vihm]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Too little: life was bitter.
[tag word: SUGAR - @al_vihm]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#93
Cupping her head
like a fragile Christingle
he prayed: 'Please.
Oh please - just
shut the hell up.'
[tag word: VERBOSE - Lesley H @lesley_joy]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
like a fragile Christingle
he prayed: 'Please.
Oh please - just
shut the hell up.'
[tag word: VERBOSE - Lesley H @lesley_joy]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#92
You got me to stand under
an olive tree. Said it would make
me look European. I was left
comparing branches
with the width of my thighs.
[tag word: CANVAS - Stella @StellaKateT]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
an olive tree. Said it would make
me look European. I was left
comparing branches
with the width of my thighs.
[tag word: CANVAS - Stella @StellaKateT]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#91
The maps were larger than our eyes.
Made our knees buckle. We wished
to see the world in wooden boats.
Carve our names into waves, and shout
the wind down from the clouds.
Talk with him, invite him home
and cook him eggs for breakfast.
[tag word: ALMIGHTY - Sarah Potten @almightycrouton]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Made our knees buckle. We wished
to see the world in wooden boats.
Carve our names into waves, and shout
the wind down from the clouds.
Talk with him, invite him home
and cook him eggs for breakfast.
[tag word: ALMIGHTY - Sarah Potten @almightycrouton]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#90
I found you in a photograph
completely free of people.
I could feel you standing
just behind the lens.
[tag word: DETECTIVE - Sarah Chapman @Bibliomouse]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
completely free of people.
I could feel you standing
just behind the lens.
[tag word: DETECTIVE - Sarah Chapman @Bibliomouse]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#89
In the dim lights backstage
they became fireflies
tucking in their caterpillar waists.
[tag word: CORSETS - Louise McLeod @brothersmcleod]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
they became fireflies
tucking in their caterpillar waists.
[tag word: CORSETS - Louise McLeod @brothersmcleod]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#88
As the woodcutter's daughter
she kept watch for girl red.
Slipped the wolf some money
before chopping off her head.
[tag word: AXE - Mike Grace @ZeRootofallEvil]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
she kept watch for girl red.
Slipped the wolf some money
before chopping off her head.
[tag word: AXE - Mike Grace @ZeRootofallEvil]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#87
It is not just malleable
things themselves
we lose
but names.
If we cannot call
back out for them
they will not know
that we are looking.
[tag word: ENVIRONMENT - Rod Grainger @NowRod]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
things themselves
we lose
but names.
If we cannot call
back out for them
they will not know
that we are looking.
[tag word: ENVIRONMENT - Rod Grainger @NowRod]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#86
According to his body clock
he was late for many things.
Waistcoats that needed refitting
rabbit hutches to build in garages.
He twitched his nose, tilted his hat
poured another cup of tea.
[tag word: TIME - Scott Ellis @blahblahellis]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
he was late for many things.
Waistcoats that needed refitting
rabbit hutches to build in garages.
He twitched his nose, tilted his hat
poured another cup of tea.
[tag word: TIME - Scott Ellis @blahblahellis]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#85
Lucy keeps lists hidden in sleeves
like vinyl. Names she isn't keen on.
In English she rids speeches
of Macbeth's wife
substitutes them for older girls
with large allowances and nails.
At break they cry in science labs
washing hands until they bleed.
[tag word: SCHADENFREUDE - Yvann @readingwithtea]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
like vinyl. Names she isn't keen on.
In English she rids speeches
of Macbeth's wife
substitutes them for older girls
with large allowances and nails.
At break they cry in science labs
washing hands until they bleed.
[tag word: SCHADENFREUDE - Yvann @readingwithtea]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#84
I am called
to stop you becoming
the icarus girl.
Ladders guessing
just how tall you are.
Hair down like Rapunzel.
[tag word: FIRE AND RESCUE - Chris @Book_Recycling]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
to stop you becoming
the icarus girl.
Ladders guessing
just how tall you are.
Hair down like Rapunzel.
[tag word: FIRE AND RESCUE - Chris @Book_Recycling]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#83
Whenever it rained, he built a boat.
Demolished the garden shed
lined muddy tools along the sideboard.
They grew bigger. Naval matryoshka.
On the tenth he could drag his dog inside
and force his paws together. They prayed
by the coolbox filled with baked beans.
[tag word: PUDDLE - @bundleofbooks]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Demolished the garden shed
lined muddy tools along the sideboard.
They grew bigger. Naval matryoshka.
On the tenth he could drag his dog inside
and force his paws together. They prayed
by the coolbox filled with baked beans.
[tag word: PUDDLE - @bundleofbooks]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#82
You want a shoulder tattooed tulip
looking back to time we spent there.
The thick air of autumn cafes
hand in hand with the canal.
[tag word: MILL/HOLLAND - Margriet Gritter @MargrietGritter]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
looking back to time we spent there.
The thick air of autumn cafes
hand in hand with the canal.
[tag word: MILL/HOLLAND - Margriet Gritter @MargrietGritter]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#81
She sold herself as an apple peeler. Unwrapped
green dresses in front of libraries. Bobbing.
In the winter months she carved giant squashes
in the middle of the streets. Climbed inside
their trusting mouths, and waved at passersby.
[tag word: PUMPKIN GIRL - @shoezimm]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
green dresses in front of libraries. Bobbing.
In the winter months she carved giant squashes
in the middle of the streets. Climbed inside
their trusting mouths, and waved at passersby.
[tag word: PUMPKIN GIRL - @shoezimm]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#80
Over Cleadon hills, through grandpa's golf course.
Down the cliffs and caravan sites. The used fireworks
by the cliff railings. The colour-faded flowers.
We pull over near the lighthouse - peer downstairs at the sea.
[tag word: BICYCLE - Nick Ward @nickmward]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Down the cliffs and caravan sites. The used fireworks
by the cliff railings. The colour-faded flowers.
We pull over near the lighthouse - peer downstairs at the sea.
[tag word: BICYCLE - Nick Ward @nickmward]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#79
Saturday afternoon was the time
to practice roaring. Tuned-in radios
and hand-driven tidal waves.
[tag word: THEATRE OF GOALS - MM @poshpotato]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
to practice roaring. Tuned-in radios
and hand-driven tidal waves.
[tag word: THEATRE OF GOALS - MM @poshpotato]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#78
Before coffins left the workshop
Ankaa was to climb inside.
Fold herself and check the knots
crack her bones along woodwork.
She'd hammer on lids for half a minute
as they locked her in the basement.
They listened over cups of tea
pouring cow milk. Checked
the thickness of the wood
for buried alive screams.
[tag word: BONE FOLDER - Rachel Hazell @bookloverRAH]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Ankaa was to climb inside.
Fold herself and check the knots
crack her bones along woodwork.
She'd hammer on lids for half a minute
as they locked her in the basement.
They listened over cups of tea
pouring cow milk. Checked
the thickness of the wood
for buried alive screams.
[tag word: BONE FOLDER - Rachel Hazell @bookloverRAH]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#77
December slept / within sealskin boots. / Weather hibernating / inner body clocks. / Frozen egg timers. / Cornflower blue. / Rough bearskin walls.
[tag word: COMPASS - @_Skaski]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
[tag word: COMPASS - @_Skaski]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#76
Before their first date she requested
his biography.
A compelling set of tales
told by girls he had rejected.
[tag word: PERUSE - Jenni Thompson @CircleThinker]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
his biography.
A compelling set of tales
told by girls he had rejected.
[tag word: PERUSE - Jenni Thompson @CircleThinker]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#75
The very best things exist
in only words and night-time sky.
[tag word: MONOCEROS - Steph @BellasBookshelf]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
in only words and night-time sky.
[tag word: MONOCEROS - Steph @BellasBookshelf]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#74
By the end there wasn't much left
words swinging between covers loving hold
pendulum eyes.
[tag word: REDACTED - PL Hughes @karmacrisis]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
words swinging between covers loving hold
pendulum eyes.
[tag word: REDACTED - PL Hughes @karmacrisis]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#73
The way she held
walnuts. Pincered
on Victorian
carousels.
Scissor hands.
Girl nutcracker.
[tag word: LOBSTER Claire King @ckingwriter]
[adapted as Lobster Girl - due to the charity/writer]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
walnuts. Pincered
on Victorian
carousels.
Scissor hands.
Girl nutcracker.
[tag word: LOBSTER Claire King @ckingwriter]
[adapted as Lobster Girl - due to the charity/writer]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#72
It seemed crude the girl
could sing
when she kicked
knees in the playground.
Licking skin off
other girls, like the tops
of boiled eggs.
[tag word: TEACHER - Kayleigh Turner @_itskayleigh]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
could sing
when she kicked
knees in the playground.
Licking skin off
other girls, like the tops
of boiled eggs.
[tag word: TEACHER - Kayleigh Turner @_itskayleigh]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#71
It was his ambition
to split him self in two.
He glued pocket mirrors
to his jacket. He hoped
his second self
would catch reflections
and jump out
of its skin.
[tag word: DOPPELGANGER - Dickon Edwards @Dickon_edwards]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
to split him self in two.
He glued pocket mirrors
to his jacket. He hoped
his second self
would catch reflections
and jump out
of its skin.
[tag word: DOPPELGANGER - Dickon Edwards @Dickon_edwards]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#70
Dancing naked
the pair of them
made live wires out of ivy.
Conducted electricity
through newly
invented veins.
[tag word: GARDEN Mindy Hoyden @mindyhoyden]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
the pair of them
made live wires out of ivy.
Conducted electricity
through newly
invented veins.
[tag word: GARDEN Mindy Hoyden @mindyhoyden]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#69
The angle of our shoes
below umbrella stands.
Our thick December coats.
[tag word: SERENITY - @JenniJMoore]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
below umbrella stands.
Our thick December coats.
[tag word: SERENITY - @JenniJMoore]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#68
As the affection grew, it twisted.
Scissors cutting at the hair she never let
her mother touch. In a cracked pool
beneath the floor boards, she tried
to hang it up in ringlets. She said
I do, whilst he beckoned to her
finger nails, her fingers - her limbs
opening paper envelopes. Deliver us
from sin. Deliver me whole
in part and apart. Deliver us.
When she wrote home in blood
it was to request they send a dowry.
Love you mum; it's nice here.
Though there aren't many windows.
[tag word: STOCKHOLM [syndrome] - Scott Pack @meandmybigmouth]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Scissors cutting at the hair she never let
her mother touch. In a cracked pool
beneath the floor boards, she tried
to hang it up in ringlets. She said
I do, whilst he beckoned to her
finger nails, her fingers - her limbs
opening paper envelopes. Deliver us
from sin. Deliver me whole
in part and apart. Deliver us.
When she wrote home in blood
it was to request they send a dowry.
Love you mum; it's nice here.
Though there aren't many windows.
[tag word: STOCKHOLM [syndrome] - Scott Pack @meandmybigmouth]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#67
The potato fields are waterlogged. Our woollen sweaters
stretching to our knees as we push the wheels. The towns
are way behind us - far-flung. The artery roads closed down.
On the way over we ignored the dead birds littering
the pavements. Saw an arm or two scratching
at artilleries of dustbins. Back in the day those
had been our shields, now germs clinging to our knuckles.
[tag word: MIASMA - Claire Marriott @buckswriter]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
stretching to our knees as we push the wheels. The towns
are way behind us - far-flung. The artery roads closed down.
On the way over we ignored the dead birds littering
the pavements. Saw an arm or two scratching
at artilleries of dustbins. Back in the day those
had been our shields, now germs clinging to our knuckles.
[tag word: MIASMA - Claire Marriott @buckswriter]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#66
Three fixed stars, totally invisible. This is the way
we are now. Groping along the bed lamps.
Lying down on concrete floors.
Kidding ourselves we're fibre optics
with many moons.
[tag word: GALILEO - Simon Barraclough @EssBarraclough]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
we are now. Groping along the bed lamps.
Lying down on concrete floors.
Kidding ourselves we're fibre optics
with many moons.
[tag word: GALILEO - Simon Barraclough @EssBarraclough]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#65
They gravitated towards the fire. Not just
for warmth, or the smell of turkey,
but because secretly they'd
quite like to push each other in.
[tag word: CHRISTMAS - @amylfc]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
for warmth, or the smell of turkey,
but because secretly they'd
quite like to push each other in.
[tag word: CHRISTMAS - @amylfc]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#64
I swallow fire on Sundays.
[tag word: PANDEMONIUM - Vanessa Gebbie @VanessaGebbie]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
My hair drenched in gasoline that is sniffed
by a horse I’ve learnt to ride backwards.
I give myself up to the sun. Grow hair down to my knees.
[tag word: PANDEMONIUM - Vanessa Gebbie @VanessaGebbie]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#63
Arlene wrote in notes that we came from the farm / that our hair grew downwards / because of the way the apples fall. / She says if we run fast enough / our feet will track / a nebula shape across the grass. / Like mushroom circles when we were five. / Like a row of sweet shops with arrows / all pointing to the ground.
[tag word: DUST - Bazza Clarke @bazzaclarke]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
[tag word: DUST - Bazza Clarke @bazzaclarke]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#62
The estate agent told us: never mind the floorboards
dark water floating upwards. A studio flat
the city sinking down below us.
The rent was cheap - we had no choice.
The water stopped above our knees. We slept
in hammocks to avoid the sea-born rats. After
ceiling-hugging dinner parties we'd all
play water polo. Careful not to catch
our toes on floating rusty nails.
[tag word: TOES @reallovelyjane]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
dark water floating upwards. A studio flat
the city sinking down below us.
The rent was cheap - we had no choice.
The water stopped above our knees. We slept
in hammocks to avoid the sea-born rats. After
ceiling-hugging dinner parties we'd all
play water polo. Careful not to catch
our toes on floating rusty nails.
[tag word: TOES @reallovelyjane]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#61
In the woods, boys drew
themselves on trunks of oak. Comic
book figures tying cloaks
up in the leaves.
They tapped tree roots, hunting
biting ants
waiting
until their teenage years
hoping the forest would
start to run.
[tag word: BATMAN - Robert Jones @robjonesuk]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
themselves on trunks of oak. Comic
book figures tying cloaks
up in the leaves.
They tapped tree roots, hunting
biting ants
waiting
until their teenage years
hoping the forest would
start to run.
[tag word: BATMAN - Robert Jones @robjonesuk]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#60
We made a papier-mache
footstool using
pages of the bible. Flour
and also water
running freely
down our limbs.
[tag word: CARPENTER - Dave Cryer @Cavedryer]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
footstool using
pages of the bible. Flour
and also water
running freely
down our limbs.
[tag word: CARPENTER - Dave Cryer @Cavedryer]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#59
Someone was dancing on
the surface of the sea.
Allergic to it.
Around him there was nothing
but the skeletons
of animals.
[tag word: WASTELAND - @booksinkbanbury]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
the surface of the sea.
Allergic to it.
Around him there was nothing
but the skeletons
of animals.
[tag word: WASTELAND - @booksinkbanbury]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#58
She wrote the alphabet
down the walls.
Framed it in wood.
[tag word: BOOKSHOP - Vanessa Robertson @edinbookshop]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
down the walls.
Framed it in wood.
[tag word: BOOKSHOP - Vanessa Robertson @edinbookshop]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#57
They came from caves carved out
to match the surface of the motorway.
Stuck litter to roof of it
with well-chewed gum. It glinted
like the tin man. They lay down
below it, clicking their heels.
[tag word: FLINT - Sandra Barnes @archeoqueen]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
to match the surface of the motorway.
Stuck litter to roof of it
with well-chewed gum. It glinted
like the tin man. They lay down
below it, clicking their heels.
[tag word: FLINT - Sandra Barnes @archeoqueen]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#56
She always liked to stand
in the very centre
of a room. Let the light
gather there, and glow.
[tag word: RESPLENDENT - Julia Vegh @julesyvegh]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
in the very centre
of a room. Let the light
gather there, and glow.
[tag word: RESPLENDENT - Julia Vegh @julesyvegh]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#55
All along the stairs
I hang dead
antelope. Hook
shirt cuffs
to their antlers.
Address their
bony mouths.
[tag word: LAUNDRY - John Underwood @JM_Underwood]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
I hang dead
antelope. Hook
shirt cuffs
to their antlers.
Address their
bony mouths.
[tag word: LAUNDRY - John Underwood @JM_Underwood]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#54
Your words should
probably exist
in cages. Chasing
each others' tales.
[tag word: TAUTOLOGY - David Langham]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
probably exist
in cages. Chasing
each others' tales.
[tag word: TAUTOLOGY - David Langham]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#53
We stole out of the collecting bowl
to buy ourselves gobstoppers.
Shoved them in our mouths and
bit down on the world. Pretended
to regurgitate giant Adam's apples.
[tag word: TARTUFFERIE - Isabel Rogers @IsabelWriter]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
to buy ourselves gobstoppers.
Shoved them in our mouths and
bit down on the world. Pretended
to regurgitate giant Adam's apples.
[tag word: TARTUFFERIE - Isabel Rogers @IsabelWriter]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#52
Tell me all you know about
the moonlight in a kitchen.
How it moves across
and changes.
About the paleness
of our skin - and the
soap suds up your arms.
[tag word: MORPH - Jacqueline Pye @JacquelinePye]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
the moonlight in a kitchen.
How it moves across
and changes.
About the paleness
of our skin - and the
soap suds up your arms.
[tag word: MORPH - Jacqueline Pye @JacquelinePye]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#51
The girls built tightropes between
their dormitories. Walked as perfect
strangers between
two points of sleep.
Hanging
on a thread.
[tag word: VERTIGINOUS - Adam Kasanof @akasanof]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
their dormitories. Walked as perfect
strangers between
two points of sleep.
Hanging
on a thread.
[tag word: VERTIGINOUS - Adam Kasanof @akasanof]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#50
We lost ourselves out on the highway -
fingers spanning branches. Empty
hot dog wrappers from yesterday's parade.
[tag word: MISDIRECTION - Tyler Leigh Murphy @star_by_night]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
fingers spanning branches. Empty
hot dog wrappers from yesterday's parade.
[tag word: MISDIRECTION - Tyler Leigh Murphy @star_by_night]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#49
It was time to adapt / the ceiling peeling salted grains
making fists against / great walls / of all that is pretend.
The house of Wendy / the room of the absurd / peeking out
behind the falling lights
an understudy in fluorescent mask
glow in the dark, and fly by night / born to climb
the curtain rail / sweep proscenium.
The back seats fill / The extra spike
in wooden floors / nails her
centre stage
and she becomes
a stigmatic; throwing arms wide
to balance
but her ears believe / they’re on the sea.
Her fingers stretch; the ceiling falls.
[tag word: DANCE - Sarah McCadden @smctweet]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#48
We spent biology lessons in summer months
exploring rock pools. Prefect ties to hold
our hair up. Fishing for pound coins
as though they're wishing wells. Instead
claimed witch hair, wet ankle socks.
Salt living under finger nails.
[tag word: BARNACLES - @kohlpublishing]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
exploring rock pools. Prefect ties to hold
our hair up. Fishing for pound coins
as though they're wishing wells. Instead
claimed witch hair, wet ankle socks.
Salt living under finger nails.
[tag word: BARNACLES - @kohlpublishing]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#47
His circus feet. A lock down
on magic for beginners.
An orange carnation
pinned to
the wrong side of his chest.
[tag word: PEACHES - @obsidianstone]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
on magic for beginners.
An orange carnation
pinned to
the wrong side of his chest.
[tag word: PEACHES - @obsidianstone]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#46
He ate only stale food:
coated earth. He felt closer
to life that way.
On Mondays
he'd make bread buns and
bury them in soil.
On Fridays
dig them up again
and feast.
[tag word: GROTESQUE - @pangalactic]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
coated earth. He felt closer
to life that way.
On Mondays
he'd make bread buns and
bury them in soil.
On Fridays
dig them up again
and feast.
[tag word: GROTESQUE - @pangalactic]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#45
I called
your bluff
on the edge
of the pier.
Candyfloss
jammed, still
in your
teeth. You
couldn't get
the words
out.
your bluff
on the edge
of the pier.
Candyfloss
jammed, still
in your
teeth. You
couldn't get
the words
out.
[tag word: BALDERDASH - Stephen Jack @theyeballkid]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#44
The map took a while to craft, because of
hedgerows and petticoats. Pipes curling
their smoke from the silhouettes of trees.
They stained it
let it hang on radiators, steaming -
it looked more used than it was, that way.
hedgerows and petticoats. Pipes curling
their smoke from the silhouettes of trees.
They stained it
let it hang on radiators, steaming -
it looked more used than it was, that way.
[tag word: MACHINATIONS - Thom Dicomidis @pmnonsequiturs]
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#43
He fostered her. Drew
flowers on her shoes.
flowers on her shoes.
[tag word: PINK - Bijou Raconteur @bijouraconteur]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
#42
Kicking our ankles over river stones, we made our way
down to the sea. Sellotaped our toes.
You arched your arms
like sailing boats. Your hands catching the wind.
down to the sea. Sellotaped our toes.
You arched your arms
like sailing boats. Your hands catching the wind.
[tag word: RIVERBED - Jaime Walke]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#41
Kensington gardens.
The white bird over prams.
Names running from tongues
and into trees. Silver birch.
Into stars. Mermaids' eyes
and fairy eggs.
The white bird over prams.
Names running from tongues
and into trees. Silver birch.
Into stars. Mermaids' eyes
and fairy eggs.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#40
He liked to draw round her
while she slept.
He believed
if he could track all
of her movements
then he was painting
out her dreams.
while she slept.
He believed
if he could track all
of her movements
then he was painting
out her dreams.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#39
The farmer didn't sleep. Outside his window: party crackers.
The words of city songs and hymns. His daughter's bed
still made and the rebel angels gone again.
Over coffee he looked out over fields
of broken halos, ragged dish cloths. Of clouds half pulled down
in a scramble to get back home.
All morning the chickens ran loose across potato patches,
clucking at his nails if he came too close.
He scrubbed at dirty half moons.
He could not control the weather, he only hoped she'd fall
back down.
The words of city songs and hymns. His daughter's bed
still made and the rebel angels gone again.
Over coffee he looked out over fields
of broken halos, ragged dish cloths. Of clouds half pulled down
in a scramble to get back home.
All morning the chickens ran loose across potato patches,
clucking at his nails if he came too close.
He scrubbed at dirty half moons.
He could not control the weather, he only hoped she'd fall
back down.
[tag word: WILD - Christine Albrow]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#38
Their parents gave them palindromes
hoping they'd flower
outside and within
like sticks of seaside rock.
hoping they'd flower
outside and within
like sticks of seaside rock.
[tag word: TWINS - Charlotte Reeve]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#37
Sundays were spent baking.
Your hair coated in flour -
wellington boots still by
the back door.
Once
you claimed
you could fit
inside the freezer.
Self-preservation, you said,
shivering
as I peered
inside the oven.
Your hair coated in flour -
wellington boots still by
the back door.
Once
you claimed
you could fit
inside the freezer.
Self-preservation, you said,
shivering
as I peered
inside the oven.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#36
Contrary to modern belief
being a werewolf
did not make him
a popular kid at school.
being a werewolf
did not make him
a popular kid at school.
[tag word: WEREWOLF - Jing Jing Peng @JingJingPeng]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#35
We find ourselves as decoupage.
I think this, standing on an escalator
leaning on your arm. We bend and
mould to fit. Adapt and layer over.
When you sleep, your limbs shed skin
like changing clothes. I could take them
to hang. Line the walls of a gallery.
We could spend the weekends walking
amongst ourselves
seeing how we've grown.
I think this, standing on an escalator
leaning on your arm. We bend and
mould to fit. Adapt and layer over.
When you sleep, your limbs shed skin
like changing clothes. I could take them
to hang. Line the walls of a gallery.
We could spend the weekends walking
amongst ourselves
seeing how we've grown.
[tag word: COLLAGE - Dan Benson @kandidan]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#34
We said we wouldn't, but we did. All those long car silences
with your feet up on the dashboard. All your questions
about meaning as you clacked on menthol gum.
Yeah, but, what if I'm not really here
you said, and I kind of wished you weren't.
with your feet up on the dashboard. All your questions
about meaning as you clacked on menthol gum.
Yeah, but, what if I'm not really here
you said, and I kind of wished you weren't.
[tag word: AWKWARD - Emily Cuzner]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#33
If I could, I'd post myself. Spend a Monday morning
in the hairdresser's. Make myself up like the queen.
Tilt my hat at the postman when he found me
in the pillar box. Crumpled up in kid gloves
reading other people's bank statements. I'd ride
up front, in the passenger seat, your address all down my arm.
in the hairdresser's. Make myself up like the queen.
Tilt my hat at the postman when he found me
in the pillar box. Crumpled up in kid gloves
reading other people's bank statements. I'd ride
up front, in the passenger seat, your address all down my arm.
[tag word: POSTCARD - Jake Morley]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#32
Straw hats
atop red bicycles
in fields. Jazz
music
in the undergrowth.
The long grass
against the length
of the young girls' skirts.
atop red bicycles
in fields. Jazz
music
in the undergrowth.
The long grass
against the length
of the young girls' skirts.
[tag word: RADIO - Winn Smith @winnsmith]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#31
In middle school the boys froze
tadpoles in home economics. Trapped them
in ice cubes to slide down girls' blouses.
There was a rumour that, if
the temperature was right, the buttons
would slide right open.
At the bonfire party, girls kept
close to the wood fire, to avoid
birthing frogs out of their bras.
tadpoles in home economics. Trapped them
in ice cubes to slide down girls' blouses.
There was a rumour that, if
the temperature was right, the buttons
would slide right open.
At the bonfire party, girls kept
close to the wood fire, to avoid
birthing frogs out of their bras.
[tag word: FIREWORK - Josephine Wilkinson @sephine]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#30
In that moment when the darkness of a room really hits you / when the light runs to the corners and the plug sockets / when all you hear is white noise / drawing words flat out on the ground / you've climbed out of a television screen / with no one waiting for you back stage
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#29
We came back along the side road where
the poppies climb the walls.
Found slippers in a dustbin and sat ourselves
on steps of someone else's house.
You told me about the fair girl, running,
haring out the village woods. She'd
made you want to bend one knee.
Run home, and quiff your hair up
by spitting on your muddy palm.
the poppies climb the walls.
Found slippers in a dustbin and sat ourselves
on steps of someone else's house.
You told me about the fair girl, running,
haring out the village woods. She'd
made you want to bend one knee.
Run home, and quiff your hair up
by spitting on your muddy palm.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#28
Mother wrote letters to the neighbours
about the crows. About how she'd like to catch
them all in baskets. Send the greyhounds
to collect them. Perhaps cook them whole in pastry
- for number seven's cats. Not for her own
thank you very much. That's not the way she did things.
She had ideas, and that was all. Thought out
but then posted
through letterboxes, to rid herself of blame.
about the crows. About how she'd like to catch
them all in baskets. Send the greyhounds
to collect them. Perhaps cook them whole in pastry
- for number seven's cats. Not for her own
thank you very much. That's not the way she did things.
She had ideas, and that was all. Thought out
but then posted
through letterboxes, to rid herself of blame.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#27
For five days I was a secret kept
underground: a newfound roasting hog
Girl-trapped.
Apples fell out through the ceiling
- rationed. Rotten to the core.
underground: a newfound roasting hog
Girl-trapped.
Apples fell out through the ceiling
- rationed. Rotten to the core.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#26
We stole duck eggs from the local farm
and tucked them into plant pots. Refused
our scrambled eggs at breakfast -
bread lining jacket pockets.
We made hairbands out of tail feathers
and sold them in the playground.
In spring we put our ears in gardens
listening for heartbeats.
Glanced out the windows of the attic
checking the sky would not fall down.
and tucked them into plant pots. Refused
our scrambled eggs at breakfast -
bread lining jacket pockets.
We made hairbands out of tail feathers
and sold them in the playground.
In spring we put our ears in gardens
listening for heartbeats.
Glanced out the windows of the attic
checking the sky would not fall down.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#25
It happened before the vintage coat
with brass button elephants.
After the dinner with last winter's candles.
The same week you'd sent a letter
from the next street over. It was raining
as I boiled the lime-scaled kettle
to peel off the penny stamp.
I scanned and licked the back of it
to check you'd sent it by yourself.
with brass button elephants.
After the dinner with last winter's candles.
The same week you'd sent a letter
from the next street over. It was raining
as I boiled the lime-scaled kettle
to peel off the penny stamp.
I scanned and licked the back of it
to check you'd sent it by yourself.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#24
We only half-believed they wanted it.
Angela said that was enough. Hitched her skirt
over the garden fence, and left her tights behind.
I followed because she needed
me to. Before the boys arrived we combed our hair
under a hollybush so its leaves would stick.
We raised our noses to the moon, smelling like Christmas.
Angela said that was enough. Hitched her skirt
over the garden fence, and left her tights behind.
I followed because she needed
me to. Before the boys arrived we combed our hair
under a hollybush so its leaves would stick.
We raised our noses to the moon, smelling like Christmas.
[tag word: VICARIOUS - Kari Maaren @angrykem]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#23
It might have been your hands. The shape of them
as they developed across a photograph. Swimming there
as shadow puppets up against a bedroom wall. Making
seagulls across the wallpaper.
as they developed across a photograph. Swimming there
as shadow puppets up against a bedroom wall. Making
seagulls across the wallpaper.
[tag word: ABSOLUTE- from Penny Tindall @PennyTindall]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#22
We decided teapots were made for afternoons
so our mothers would approve. Like in the days
we'd pout in mirrors, bleeding out from stolen lips.
It's been a while, stewing with these leaves -
same story playing in the yard. The orange
and the thickness. The carrier bags, and the clothes.
so our mothers would approve. Like in the days
we'd pout in mirrors, bleeding out from stolen lips.
It's been a while, stewing with these leaves -
same story playing in the yard. The orange
and the thickness. The carrier bags, and the clothes.
[tag word: TEA - from Claire Wallnutt @ILoveLit]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#21
We pushed my sister to school in a green wheelbarrow,
too delicate to walk. Mother left notes in with our
sandwiches: Don't crush her wings. Make sure she's safe.
too delicate to walk. Mother left notes in with our
sandwiches: Don't crush her wings. Make sure she's safe.
[tag word: FEATHERS - from Sammie Orgel @smurfberry]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#20
It is always important, my father said
hammering nails into the woodwork
to remember why you built this place.
hammering nails into the woodwork
to remember why you built this place.
[tag word: HOME - from Melissa @Roomedia]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#19
In my final year, it came to me.
Teachers hunted for the would-be plugs
trailing out of my skin and were baffled.
I slept in my own room so as not to wake
the other girls.
During prayers there were mutters
of excommunication. They saw my
glowing skin, whispered show-off bitch.
It made my cheeks burn brighter.
In communion, red wine was thrown
in attempts to stain me. Offers of clothes-washing
to turn me inside out.
At night I felt the moon pull.
I'd swing from ropes across the ceiling,
pace back and forth across the boards
tugging at my optic hair.
Teachers hunted for the would-be plugs
trailing out of my skin and were baffled.
I slept in my own room so as not to wake
the other girls.
During prayers there were mutters
of excommunication. They saw my
glowing skin, whispered show-off bitch.
It made my cheeks burn brighter.
In communion, red wine was thrown
in attempts to stain me. Offers of clothes-washing
to turn me inside out.
At night I felt the moon pull.
I'd swing from ropes across the ceiling,
pace back and forth across the boards
tugging at my optic hair.
[tag word: ELECTRICITY - from Jo Menary @Tiz47]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#18
Her leaver's party rocked up behind the bike sheds.
Before the end she'd scribbled her name in every
school bible. Remember me, religiously she grinned.
Before the end she'd scribbled her name in every
school bible. Remember me, religiously she grinned.
tag word: ABSCOND - from Daniel Bhalla @DanielBhalla]
--
#17
I harvested the sky. / A lion cub hanging / on a purse string. / My body milk-making. / Two years to knit holes to keep / the sky outside. / Myself inside a Russian doll. / Kept my hands in gloves / dry washing. / We had horses in hay / my body looking / for homes encased in cloth / the undercoat of someone else’s maid. / The lion’s share. / Railings all along the route. / I bit to make a cage. / The tide engorged there / and all was green. /
tag word: LIMINALITY - from Rachael Beale @flossieteacake]
--
#16
They tied the trees together and made mud fists
you could sleep between. On the weekends
they would burrow deep and doze
until the rain fled. Those who could would swim
across the gap.
When the tide was calm, they floated -
making knots in arthritic hands.
[tag word: BRIDGE - from Myles McLeod @brothersmcleod]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
you could sleep between. On the weekends
they would burrow deep and doze
until the rain fled. Those who could would swim
across the gap.
When the tide was calm, they floated -
making knots in arthritic hands.
[tag word: BRIDGE - from Myles McLeod @brothersmcleod]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#15
the sky fell / we fell into the sky / the sun / was. / We were. /
We fell out of the circus.
They washed the elephants / up / at South Shields beach. / Behind their ears. / Those animals used their feet to listen. / Filled trunks up with some lunar hum. / Skinned cars. / Sun high. / Then us closing down all roads. / Pulling chains along the yellow lines. / Crows watching. / Eliza's scuffed out shoes. / Rock pool making under foot. / Anna’s skirts out / trying to knit the sand. / Our strong men both linked / and right up top. / Half way to Souter lighthouse then / to throw all dead and dying / animals down. / Once a week / like this / the sea was fed. / Swelled. / Fish came up for all wild flesh. / Giraffe necks breaking half way down. / Most skin missing / already as coats. / On feather pebbles. / Our orphans run to make / new whips from lion-tail weed. / The stench. / Peeling limpets for tomorrow’s hats. / Selling them all outside the ring. / The fur coats. / The sun on metal / horses plumes. / Train tracks snaking down my dress.
[tag word: GIRAFFE - from Sarah Chapman @bibliomouse]
--
#14
Sometimes, she said,
it is best to never think of it.
Sometimes, it is best
to not have time at all.
[tag word: DAWN - from Jacqueline Pye @Jacquelinepye]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
it is best to never think of it.
Sometimes, it is best
to not have time at all.
[tag word: DAWN - from Jacqueline Pye @Jacquelinepye]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#13
In breaks between exercises Mrs. Taunton's boys
[tag word: EVOLUTION from Esteban Manchado @Estebanm]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
check beneath their shirts – make sure
their costumes are still there. Their young eyes wander
across the clock, twitching into star-jumps.
They think of hazy days when they will stand
atop the highest buildings.
In the shower they measure each other's shoulders.
Check them for wing growth
and for scales. They give mouth swabs
after dinner, like mothball chews.
Crouching with tooth picks in front of fires
they think of the women they will one day save.
Later, stretching jaws wide,
they take delight in confusing mirrors.
Flicking forked tongues, and hissing.
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#12
She let her voice warm in the summer months
so it would hold out through the winter.
Paid rent by singing carols - her sister's
old clothes trailing tinsel streets.
Under porch lights her hair became that of
other people. She had learnt it best to morph
here. When she was small, their town's posters
used to scream about her mother's voice
all in the weeks that saw the harvest grow. Come
November her voice grew thinner
until it would fit inside a jewellery box.
They lost it in the garden, then, buried in
along with waiting bulbs. They water it
while it's still light - before knocking on
their neighbours doors, singing away diseases.
[tag word: SINGER - from June Thomas @vodkahic]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
so it would hold out through the winter.
Paid rent by singing carols - her sister's
old clothes trailing tinsel streets.
Under porch lights her hair became that of
other people. She had learnt it best to morph
here. When she was small, their town's posters
used to scream about her mother's voice
all in the weeks that saw the harvest grow. Come
November her voice grew thinner
until it would fit inside a jewellery box.
They lost it in the garden, then, buried in
along with waiting bulbs. They water it
while it's still light - before knocking on
their neighbours doors, singing away diseases.
[tag word: SINGER - from June Thomas @vodkahic]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#11
It is always about the next act. About the lions
that roam there, just out of reach
on the edge of the seats that you never paid for.
Somehow you foothold intervals so
that the drama stops, and after curtain calls
you roll the programme up
and chase flies with it. Watch people
with their open mouths.
Let your tongue roll on the goat song.
[tag word: GREEK TRAGEDY - from Joanna Sterling @casketfiction]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
that roam there, just out of reach
on the edge of the seats that you never paid for.
Somehow you foothold intervals so
that the drama stops, and after curtain calls
you roll the programme up
and chase flies with it. Watch people
with their open mouths.
Let your tongue roll on the goat song.
[tag word: GREEK TRAGEDY - from Joanna Sterling @casketfiction]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#10
Blanched white.
She hurt to look at.
Tiptoeing from a streetcar.
Humming songs
about a paper moon.
[tag word: OLD MOON from Robert Gorlo @RGorlo]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
She hurt to look at.
Tiptoeing from a streetcar.
Humming songs
about a paper moon.
[tag word: OLD MOON from Robert Gorlo @RGorlo]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#9
After the rain stopped, we stood still.
Drew our veins down our arms so
our insides were out.
On the pavement just outside your house
we compared the way our blood flows.
[tag word: RAINBOW from Jeannie Ramsey]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Drew our veins down our arms so
our insides were out.
On the pavement just outside your house
we compared the way our blood flows.
[tag word: RAINBOW from Jeannie Ramsey]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#8
Overnight, the music appeared, and they pretended
not to be afraid. They dangled their toes in water
collected in basins from the windowsill.
Let the droplets mutter back, and guessed
the eyes of the awake - the quieter notes
that smiling sent, and the blinking clocks behind their heads.
[tag word: PIANO from Izzy John @sky_like_you]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
not to be afraid. They dangled their toes in water
collected in basins from the windowsill.
Let the droplets mutter back, and guessed
the eyes of the awake - the quieter notes
that smiling sent, and the blinking clocks behind their heads.
[tag word: PIANO from Izzy John @sky_like_you]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#7
We'd bring the holiday back with us
in boxes. In smiles when we'd been arguing.
In the smell of salt within our bathing suits.
[tag word: PHOTOGRAPH from Anders Larsson @AndyLarsson]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
in boxes. In smiles when we'd been arguing.
In the smell of salt within our bathing suits.
[tag word: PHOTOGRAPH from Anders Larsson @AndyLarsson]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#6
Katherine stole lunch boxes from all the wards
and stashed them under her single bed. She slept,
willing the food to wilt, so she could hold
the stench of apricots. She pinned her name
badge to her chest and asked whether food
with fungi, left, could somehow become alive.
A dead body compost under her. Her very own body farm.
[tag word: TREASON from Kit Clothier @storminateacup]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
and stashed them under her single bed. She slept,
willing the food to wilt, so she could hold
the stench of apricots. She pinned her name
badge to her chest and asked whether food
with fungi, left, could somehow become alive.
A dead body compost under her. Her very own body farm.
[tag word: TREASON from Kit Clothier @storminateacup]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#5
His ancestors chased themselves back to fairy tales. / To darkened woods with hanging trees. / They'd cut their knees on growing roots / let the animals creep closer.
[tag word: HUNTER from Petra Pavlokova @shilohova]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
[tag word: HUNTER from Petra Pavlokova @shilohova]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#4
There were days when we would sit
together. When you'd walk me to a bus stop
our shadows chasing us under car bonnets.
And if we stood on each other's shoulders
we could peer in at people's windows.
You'd pour me an empty cup, picking
words from conversations
we only could half make out.
Some nights you'd say you loved me
- but only if they'd said it first.
[tag word: LOGIC from Sar @lightuplightupx]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
together. When you'd walk me to a bus stop
our shadows chasing us under car bonnets.
And if we stood on each other's shoulders
we could peer in at people's windows.
You'd pour me an empty cup, picking
words from conversations
we only could half make out.
Some nights you'd say you loved me
- but only if they'd said it first.
[tag word: LOGIC from Sar @lightuplightupx]
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#3
Boys would track the music to an underground cave / the beats along the high stone walls. / The keys to get in. / The idea came out from beneath the school. / Ties left on coat hangers. / Snouted masks sold on the door for half a dinner's pay. / They'd roam / glasses clasped between them / see the girls standing in their ironed dresses / eating teachers' apples. / Their names would bob up in their throats. / Would be swallowed in the dark. /
[tag word: pigs - from Miles]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
[tag word: pigs - from Miles]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#2
There is a place on the corner
of Dean Street, where you can
catalogue souls in boxes. Lift them
up as shirts and iron them.
We've heard
whispers on city ghost tours, on feet,
of people who fell down there.
Who gave up their words by accident
for a paper thin curator. Found themselves
filed on all four corners
and couldn't get back out.
[tag word: MUSEUM - from @jennifuchs]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
of Dean Street, where you can
catalogue souls in boxes. Lift them
up as shirts and iron them.
We've heard
whispers on city ghost tours, on feet,
of people who fell down there.
Who gave up their words by accident
for a paper thin curator. Found themselves
filed on all four corners
and couldn't get back out.
[tag word: MUSEUM - from @jennifuchs]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
#1
In those days we'd sleepwalk.
It was easier for us to see the city that way.
The daytime gave us kitchen steam,
flour tilting like November snow. At night
we'd trudge through gardens
that our house had never seen.
We would run and cup non-existent light.
Mostly, we dressed up as birds. Mary's favourites
were the leather swans. Black feathers in her bedsheets
and a zip up to her neck. We'd walk
together and in lines -
our wings hooping every lamppost.
In the mornings we'd bathe our swollen feet. Inch
our claws along the frozen tiles -
make-believe that we could fly again.
[tag word: SNOW - from Patricia Campbell]
[So, that's the first one! I'm off to bed now, and will get up early and continue writing. One down, ninety nine more to go. Hope you enjoy them. x]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
It was easier for us to see the city that way.
The daytime gave us kitchen steam,
flour tilting like November snow. At night
we'd trudge through gardens
that our house had never seen.
We would run and cup non-existent light.
Mostly, we dressed up as birds. Mary's favourites
were the leather swans. Black feathers in her bedsheets
and a zip up to her neck. We'd walk
together and in lines -
our wings hooping every lamppost.
In the mornings we'd bathe our swollen feet. Inch
our claws along the frozen tiles -
make-believe that we could fly again.
[tag word: SNOW - from Patricia Campbell]
[So, that's the first one! I'm off to bed now, and will get up early and continue writing. One down, ninety nine more to go. Hope you enjoy them. x]
--
100 Poem Challenge: writing 100 poems in a weekend to raise money for EEC International.
Friday, 4 November 2011
it is nearly midnight...
When midnight hits, I shall write the first poem for 100 Poem Challenge. Then I'm running off to bed, to wake up early and crack on with the next 99. Thank you for all your tweets of tag words - keep them coming! It's good to have a big pile to pick from. If your tag word is used for a poem then you'll be credited in the post the poem appears in. I haven't planned out any poems, I haven't made any drafts. I haven't even examined the tag words to think of ideas because it felt like cheating. I will be doing ALL of the work this weekend.
Eek! Well. seventeen minutes and I shall start writing.
Here goes... x
Eek! Well. seventeen minutes and I shall start writing.
Here goes... x
it is time
[omg]
Folks! Today is Friday, which means that tomorrow is Saturday. And THAT means that the weekend of 100 poem writing is here! Eek! Panic!
The running total for this campaign is $3492 [£2178], which is incredible. Thank you so much to those who have already donated. You are wonderful.
All poems will be posted as I write them on this blog. I'll post video updates, too. If you haven’t sent me a tag word yet, please do so [tweet me @aeroplanegirl] or drop me an email at jenvcampbell @ gmail.com.
Tweets etc of encouragement/to make sure I’m still awake are very much welcomed. Please spread the word this weekend!
Thank you all so much for your continued support.
Lots of love,
Jen xx
--
http://www.indiegogo.com/100-poem-challenge
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
donation page
The donation page has gone live, folks. All the info on the how and the why, and a little bit of handwritten postcards thrown in for those who'd like that, too. Check it out [link below the video]. xxx
http://www.indiegogo.com/100-Poem-Challenge
Friday, 7 October 2011
The Challenge
Everyone, hello!
[If you've reached this blog and don't know who I am: my name's Jen [hello] and I'm a writer and bookseller living in London, UK. You can read more about my writing and stuff over on my main blog. I also have EEC Syndrome, which is a rare form of Ectodermal Dysplasia. New research has shown that due to a fault in the p63 gene, people with EEC Syndrome suffer progressive sight loss because of their corneas reproducing incorrectly. I wanted to do a fundraising event to raise money for research centres who are looking for a cure for this, and who are also doing research into better understanding and helping out in other areas affected by EEC. Up to date? Splendid.]
EEC International research centres are doing all kinds of wonderful things to try and find a cure for degenerative eye conditions [which, if found, would not only benefit people with EEC but a whole range of eye diseases]. EEC International also do work on lots of other things to do with clefting, cell mutation, p63, plastics, dermatology, hearing problems, all kinds of stuff. Only last week Moorfields eye hospital in London [which is where I go], were given the go ahead to start trials on stem cell treatment for people with Stargardt's macular dystrophy, which causes progressive sight loss. This is all to do with retinas, a different ball game to corneas [EEC], and it shows what money and research and science can do.
SO, to get to the nub and the gist of what I'm trying to say: I have decided that for a fundraiser, in the spirit of National Poetry Day [though I'm aware I won't actually be doing it ON National Poetry Day because, er, that was, er, yesterday], I am going to write 100 poems in one weekend. Yes. Soon I'll be asking you here and people on Twitter to give me tag words. Once I have a list of 100 tag words, on the weekend of the challenge [dates yet to be decided], I'll post the poems as I write them on this blog, using one tag word for each poem. I'll also do youtube videos throughout the weekend documenting it. I may well take some of the poems from this, edit them, and try and make a physical thing for people to buy to raise more money, but that's a whole new thing to think about and that's all for later. SO, yes. 100 poems in a weekend, with tag words from your lovely selves. Me chained at my desk for two days to bring you all [hopefully] pretty things to raise money for EEC International, to help research into EEC Syndrome. More on this when I know dates of when I can do it and all that jazz. In the mean time, do subscribe to this blog to be kept up to date with future updates. You can do that by entering your email address in the box to the top left, or by logging in to blogger and hitting the 'follow' button on the top bar.
Lots of love,
Jen
[If you've reached this blog and don't know who I am: my name's Jen [hello] and I'm a writer and bookseller living in London, UK. You can read more about my writing and stuff over on my main blog. I also have EEC Syndrome, which is a rare form of Ectodermal Dysplasia. New research has shown that due to a fault in the p63 gene, people with EEC Syndrome suffer progressive sight loss because of their corneas reproducing incorrectly. I wanted to do a fundraising event to raise money for research centres who are looking for a cure for this, and who are also doing research into better understanding and helping out in other areas affected by EEC. Up to date? Splendid.]
EEC International research centres are doing all kinds of wonderful things to try and find a cure for degenerative eye conditions [which, if found, would not only benefit people with EEC but a whole range of eye diseases]. EEC International also do work on lots of other things to do with clefting, cell mutation, p63, plastics, dermatology, hearing problems, all kinds of stuff. Only last week Moorfields eye hospital in London [which is where I go], were given the go ahead to start trials on stem cell treatment for people with Stargardt's macular dystrophy, which causes progressive sight loss. This is all to do with retinas, a different ball game to corneas [EEC], and it shows what money and research and science can do.
SO, to get to the nub and the gist of what I'm trying to say: I have decided that for a fundraiser, in the spirit of National Poetry Day [though I'm aware I won't actually be doing it ON National Poetry Day because, er, that was, er, yesterday], I am going to write 100 poems in one weekend. Yes. Soon I'll be asking you here and people on Twitter to give me tag words. Once I have a list of 100 tag words, on the weekend of the challenge [dates yet to be decided], I'll post the poems as I write them on this blog, using one tag word for each poem. I'll also do youtube videos throughout the weekend documenting it. I may well take some of the poems from this, edit them, and try and make a physical thing for people to buy to raise more money, but that's a whole new thing to think about and that's all for later. SO, yes. 100 poems in a weekend, with tag words from your lovely selves. Me chained at my desk for two days to bring you all [hopefully] pretty things to raise money for EEC International, to help research into EEC Syndrome. More on this when I know dates of when I can do it and all that jazz. In the mean time, do subscribe to this blog to be kept up to date with future updates. You can do that by entering your email address in the box to the top left, or by logging in to blogger and hitting the 'follow' button on the top bar.
Lots of love,
Jen
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