Poetry
Two Gardens
By Richard Williams How many mornings slid one into another, under the pergola of a lockdown garden, a mug of black coffee as shadows swung by, waiting for the page to turn. A book [… read more ]
poetry
History
Family History in Photographs: Opening a Box of Memories
In a new series, John Callaway explores his family history after discovering boxes of old photographs and documents which belonged to his parents. ‘They represent a view to a bygone age,’ said John, ‘and although [… read more ]
Poetry
Crisis
By Diana Ashman Pandemic, a crisis planet lockdown, no autonomy or freedom of choice, people frown, authorities put rules into place, isolation, social distancing, life slows to a pace. As the weeks pass by, [… read more ]
Poetry
Lockdown Journey
By Sue Cornell We venture onto half known pavements. Our legs carry us, our feet accelerate and brake on unfamiliar territory several streets from home. Approaching fellow travellers we nod, smile apology and cross the [… read more ]
Poetry
VE Day
By Liz Kay At Number Nine Mary is humming, twisting bunting. Her fuzzing hands wave to Number Ten where Charlie and Steve are leaving for their daily cycle. On Thursday evening, they had forgotten [… read more ]
Poetry
The Unlock Dress Code
By Sue Spiers Monday’s mask bears buttercups, saffron buttons under launderette-fog glasses. Beetroot stains her Tuesday mouth like rose lipstick. No one sees her smile. To the bank on Wednesday with leaf-green tree [… read more ]
Poetry
Nigra Bamboo
By Maggie Sawkins We thought the planting of it would enhance our patio garden, but its stems hardened. Now after four years it has obscured the view from the bedroom window. We have [… read more ]
News
Southsea Green Community Garden
Irene Strange reports on the Southsea Green Community Garden during lockdown, and provides a poem celebrating some of its produce. Whether it is the rainbow colours of the butterflies in the Butterfly House at the Natural [… read more ]
Culture
We Need Community: Covid-19 and Isolation
Dianna Djokey interviews Majid Dhana about his experience as a migrant and a person of colour dealing with isolation during Covid-19, and the creative opportunities he’s created to speak up for other people through his [… read more ]
Culture
Portsmouth Writers’ Season: Review of Plague by Sue Spiers
S&C‘s Paul Valentine finds much to appreciate in Portsmouth poet Sue Spier’s new book of haikus. Like many, I have tried haiku and then left its comforting warmth. But I have a tremendous respect both [… read more ]