Poetry
Tomfoolery
By Jackie Green Quips that slip from pompous lip, Wide eyed lies that slide like flies From piles of dung, publicly flung At the tufty hair and vacant stare, Of our PM from number [… read more ]
Portsmouth Poetry
Poetry
Poem: Mr and Mrs Portsmouth (after Mr and Mrs Scotland are Dead by Kathleen Jamie)
By Margaret Jennings Mr and Mrs Portsmouth are kirtled by the sea proud of their ironclad links to Nelson and Victory, Looking down on their sister, Gosport. Dismissive of the Scummers. Mr and [… read more ]
Poetry
8 Clerihews Defaming* Joe Biden
I. L. Literate, who in their own words is ‘a soulless, derivate, mercenary hack absolutely in step with the neoliberal cultural climate of soporific pastiche, commodified nostalgia, artistic risk aversion and insipid liberal identity politics [… read more ]
Poetry
8 Clerihews Defaming* Sir Keir Starmer
Following on from their last poems on Boris Johnson – and in the interests of political balance – I. L. Literate has penned eight clerihews poking fun at the floundering Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer. [… read more ]
Poetry
8 Clerihews Defaming* Boris Johnson
Inspired by Amanda Garrie’s recent poem about Sir Keir Starmer and the work of local rhymer Vin Adams, I. L. Literate has penned 8 clerihews poking fun at our hapless Prime Minister. (A clerihew is [… 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 ]
Poetry
Coronavirus Care Home
Deborah Shaw Oh look! That’s me in the picture! Always wanted to have my photo in the paper That’s me Just sitting Peacefully Passively Waiting for death Oh look! That’s me in the picture [… read more ]
Culture
Tongues & Grooves Portsmouth #WritingChallenge4
Maggie Sawkins, who leads local poetry and creative group Tongues & Grooves has unleashed a local #writingchallenge and they kindly let us publish the responses. This week’s challenge was – in Paul Klee’s words – to [… read more ]
Poetry
The Fascination of Trees
Irene Strange. The Life in trees live on for ever Their gallant Spirit leaves them, never. In the trunk and boughs and roots Its inner Spirit endlessly shoots. Plundered and burned into the [… read more ]