Welcome to POC Magazine - Issue 4 01/11

The theme for this issue is Hope and Love and I'm sure those are emotions that we all agree can be very positive, towards our mental health and physical well being.

In this issue we have an interview with acclaimed writer Leonard Warwick OBE, author of "Making a Difference" and his new book "The Unspoken". I have also featured work from Kenneth Mood, Tim Kitchen and introducing David Russell's poetry and artwork.

So without further ado, let us kick start this new year with a writer who has featured previously in POC...here is the wonderful lyrical poet,Tim Kitchen and his work entitled 'Keep Loves Candle Burning'.

 Keep Loves Candle Burning

Someone has left you there all alone

doesn't even bother to pick up the phone.

No more cosy evenings in any more

and no one to welcome you at the door.

But you can find a way to get through

so don't let love's candle burn out on you.

It's hard to face the future with a broken heart

but you'll move on when your'e ready to start.

Life will slowly get better, as time goes by

and you can get through this, you just have to try.

You can find love again, you know that is true

so don't let love's candle burn out on you.

I know sometimes you just want to sit down and cry

thinking no one understands how you feel and why.

We all know you have a lot of love to share

and there will be someone for you out there.

So we'll all just keep on loving you like we do

but don't let love's candle burn out on you.

c. Tim Kitchen 

Featured Writer - Leonard Warwick CBE

I am delighted to feature an interview with Leonard Warwick below:

1. What inspired you to write 'The Unspoken' and can you tell us a little bit more about the book, without giving too much away?

My full-time career is as an independent financial and investment adviser and I am in my 50th year in an absorbing business. I have been writing articles for the financial press for about thirty years and had my first book 'Making a Difference' published a few years ago. For some time I have wanted to write a novel and had several ideas. The inspirations for writing 'The Unspoken' are several - my wife and I have a deep love of Ireland and we visit there as often as we can. I have a particular interest in Irish history and it consumes the majority of my personal reading time. I am also interest in genealogy and Ros and I both have fascinating Irish roots. Ros was a nurse with people with learning difficulties. All of these factors conciously and unconciously influenced the development of 'The Unspoken'.

2. What is the best thing about being a writer?

Starting with a blank sheet of paper (or screen) and creating characters and events from nothing except your imagination. This is something "uniquely yours". The fashioning and creation of something which comes alive through words fascinates me. I tend to be ever dissatisfied with my work, whether it is an article or a book but this is not in a negative way - I just try and better myself all the time and the challenge of better expressing myself is one I enjoy.

3. What advice would you give to other new writers just starting out and deliberating about how to get their work into print?

Enjoy what you do but if it is to be your living there is a difference between personal satisfaction and commercial success. I always remember Churchill's shortest and best speech to the boys of Harrow School "Never, never, never give up". I also recall reading that J.K. Rowling was turned down by a number of publishers.

Frankly the writing is the easier bit. The task of getting a work published is fraught with obstacles. I have been encouraged by other authors I have met that such difficulties have not been mine alone. It is worth it in the end but do not expect to compete with the celebrity books in the major bookshops such as the life stories of popstars, footballers and minor TV personalities.

It is important to research publishers and agents and ensure you are approaching the right people for your genre. Buy the various writers' and authors' yearbooks to help with that research. I haven't got all the answers, or I would be more successful!

4. Are you working on any other writing projects at the moment?

Yes. I have written various short stories over many years that I should do something with. I feel "Making a Difference" needs up-dating now that I am in my 50th year in financial services. I written an outline of another novel.

Another great passion of mine is football. There is currently one article on my website www.leonardwarwick.co.uk which illustrates this. I am told I have a great knowledge of the history of the game and that I should write a book. I have some ideas but that is all they are at present.

5. Who are your favourite authors and why?

I have many - too many to list. Certainly in Irish history Tim Pat Coogan is up there with the best. Sir Ranulph Fiennes paints his pictures in words with wonderful clarity and I would recommend any genealogist to read hie "Mad dogs and Englishmen - an expedition round my family". Nelson Mandela's "A long walk to freedom" is truly an awesome account of the courageous life of a truly remarkable man.

6. What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

 Many but here are five which all cause you to take stock of yourself:

'If you are self employed you wake up every morning unemployed'.

'A wise man doesn't learn from his own mistakes - he learns frm the mistakes of others'.

'There are three kinds of people - those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who don't know there's anything happening.

'There are two kinds of people - those who give strength and those who sap it'.

'Are you listening - or waiting for your turn to speak?'

7. What is your favourite music?

The big band sound, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Michael Buble. Uplifting classics - Elgar. Few musicals but "Les Miserables is fantastic. No poor songs and a great classical story.

8. What are your hopes and dreams for 2011

Good health and happiness for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.

If you would like to know more about Len's work please visit his website www.leonardwarwick.co.uk

Introducing David Russell

David Russell is an accomplished writer who has had poetry, prose and artwork published in Splizz magazine. He has also had poetry published in 'Words from Within' - Poetry Rivals 2010.

I am delighted to showcase both his poem 'Love Boat' and potrait 'Girl Diving' for this edition. Enjoy!!!

Girl Diving - by David Russell

LOVE BOAT

The depths and heights clinched us

up, down, bow, stern

starboard, port

hint of an eddy

***************

Answering the wind

pulling the waters to the air

throwing up a slope

to it's absorbing depths

***************

Rocking swaying inside

we were the ballast;

then, sated with foam, the winds

found ease, sighed down

as the cloud-clad sun disrobed

***************

And we absorbed the wind,

our ballast clinch

kindled an answering flame

as we two shed our clouds.

***************

Up, down, bow, stern

starboard, port

***************

Answering our passion

Stronger than the waves,

the boat capsized,

turned turtle

with our embrace

and to the eddies bore us

to carry our yearning

from water to land.

***************

The shore was steady,

we made the earthquake.

C. DAVID RUSSELL

NEW WRITERS UK - NEW WEBSITE

For all you budding young writers out there it is worthwhile checking out the New Writers UK website. They are a not for profit organisation dedicated to assisting new writers with promotion and publication of their work. For more information please visit their updated website at www.newwritersuk.co.uk

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Poem from Kenneth Mood

REALITY IS SINKING IN

Reality is sinking in

Reality is sinking in

**********

Summer is going

And to rest in peace

Will the Autumn days

Be a better place

**********

Thank you for your help

And concern

Keep me in your heart

And I'll keep you in mine

**********

Reality is sinking in

Reality is sinking in

**********

Who knows best

Young or old

We are together

Looking into each others eyes

This is our treasure

Love or hate

Friend or foe

Do or die

**********

Reality is sinking in

Like the sunshine and rain.

c. Kenneth Mood

That's all for now.

Stay happy and keep writing :-)

Anita xxx

____________________________________

Welcome to Poetry Over Coffee Online Magazine!!!!

Summer 2010  - Issue number 3

In this issue I will be interviewing

 Amanda Morgan, Editor of Splizz Magazine

and also featuring work from David Macc, Milly Adesanya and Ken Moody

Let's 'kick off' the world cup season with a brilliant poem from one of my favourites David Mac, with his poem entitled 'Personal Sun'

Personal Sun

That moment on a summer morning

When the fat sun begins to appear,

Rumbling from beneath the earth,

Up from the east,

Egg yolk,

Rays on the horizon,

Dawn silence.

And it's just me and the mad birds,

Like I'm the only man,

Before all the fools wake up.

I'm the only man.

Yeah.

c. David Mac

This poem was taken from David's latest collection 'Happiness was a Fool we used  to Know' for more information about his work please contact on:

drmcmullan@hotmail.co.uk

Feature Interview with 'Splizz' Editor

Amanda Morgan

Amanda Morgan is a respected and successful editor of the long running Splizz Music and Poetry magazine. In this feature I catch a glimpse into a day in the life of Amanda's work.

Q. Describe a typical day at 'Splizz' headquarters when trying to meet your deadline.

This involves stress and chaos as I juggle 'Splizz' with my full time job and two books that I am currently writing (one is volume 2 of my poetry booklet 'School: From both sides of the desk' and the second is a rock/metal encyclopaedia I am compiling with a group of people).

It involves many hours of sitting in front of a laptop, finalising content, layout and presentation, whilst attempting to calm myself by playing some music in the background.

Q. How many poetry submissions would you say you get per year (approx) and do you have any preferences when choosing work within your publication?

I get about 500 submissions per year on average.

There is no preference as to subject content. As long as the poem engages me and I think it will engage the readers, then it stands a good chance of inclusion.

 I try to include a variety of poems on different subjects and written in different styles, in the hope that there's something there for everyone.

Q. What advice would you give to new writers starting out, who are initially nervous about having their work read by others?

If you don't share you work with anyone, no-one will get to find out how good your work is. Most Editors are not monsters, so if you find that they don't accept your work, some will also provide constructive feedback that will help you improve.

Buying some zines to get a feel for the type of work that is published can often give a feel as to whether your work, would fit the bill or not. Go for it! You have nothing to lose!

Q. When did 'Splizz' start and how long have you been the Editor?

Splizz started in 1993 as a project I was doing for my Media Studies coursework. I have been the editor since day one.

Q. The concept of combining music and poetry together in your magazine is an interesting one. Where did this idea come from?

Back in 1993, there were no publications which included both of my loves - music and poetry. This is where the idea of Splizz came from. What with there being so many overlaps between poetry and music anyway, I thought why not?

Q. Who are your favourite bands at the moment and why?

I love a wide range of music and I like to reflect that in Splizz. Some of my favourites include Slipknot and Machine Head at the heavier end of the spectrum, to dance pioneers like Pendulum and Prodigy who have amazing energy, that I particularly love.

Also, bands like Ash and Therapy? that I have loved for many years. I also love the excitement and energy of newer bands on the scene. Bands like Rolo Tomassi, The Plight and Cancer Bats who Splizz has championed.

Q. What is the best thing about being an Editor?

I have come into contact with so many interesting people since being Editor of Splizz. Some of these people I now regard as being good friends of mine. I also like the excitement of discovering new talent, whether that's music or poetry.

Q. Who are your favourite poets/writers and why?

I love Nick Hornby's books as I like his writing style. I also enjoy the Bronte sisters' work. They capture situations so well in words.

As cliched as this is going to sound, some of my favourite poets are those who write for Splizz - a lot of those poets write about situations they've been in, or observations that they have made, which I often find myself relating to.

Q. If you suddenly had access to loads of finance, what would you do?

In terms of Splizz, I would plough a lot more money into it, to make it a more colourful, glossy affair. I would hold a massive open air party/festival to celebrate the zine inviting all contributors and bands to attend and maybe perform.

Q. Favourite motto or quote?

Personally, I'm a firm believer in "Whatever will be, will be". Everything happens for a reason in life. It's how you deal with things that's important. And my late Gran always told me to enjoy and do things whilst you can. These words stay with me every day and I ensure I get the most out of life and grab every opportunity that I can.

______________________________________________________________

Splizz Subscriptions: If you wish to subscribe to Splizz, an annual subscription to  costs just £8. UK readers should pop a cheque for £8 in the post, made payable to Amanda Morgan or Paypal to splizz@tiscali.co.uk

Overseas readers should email for the latest rates. (Cheques can no longer be accepted from overseas readers).

Address for subscriptions, contributions etc write to: Splizz, 4 St Mary's Rise, Burry Port, Carms SA16 0SH

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Introducing Milly Adesanya

Milly Adesanya is a talented poet who I am delighted to feature in this issue. Her poems 'To Jesus', 'Vikings' and 'Tree' are hopeful and uplifting. A promising writer and one to look out for in the future.

To Jesus

I can't wait Jesus for our baby Selassie

It will be soon but not too soon

we are going to have so much fun together brother

Just got off the phone to you and I already miss you

Speaking to you takes my anger away

I watch it sail away on a wave

I give my worries to my angels

And they've promised me we'll be ok

But there are certain things and certain people that need to get out of our way

Swimming tomorrow finally and I can't wait

It will wake us both up to the life we are going to make

We are ready now because we truly understand

That the choice was always in our hands.

c. Milly Adesanya

Vikings

We are Vikings

We rule the world

We are the makers

Of this universe.

c. Milly Adesanya

Tree

Trees and everlasting beauty from the ground

Our mother earth beats her rhythm for all to feel

Be at one young one

Nobody coming to hurt a newborn

Wonder boy.

c. Milly Adesanya

Introducing Ken Moody

Ken Moody is writer who lives in Gateshead UK. He is an experienced film/TV actor who also works within the Music and Art world. He is currently working on his new novel called 'The Adventures of Ken Mood'.

The following 6 stanza poem 'Our Heart' has a melodic happy feeling to it and it shows Ken's natural talent for composing lyrics.

If you would like to check out Ken's film credits you can Google him, by typing in Ken Mood II and details will come up on the International Movie Database. Read on and enjoy!

Our Heart

It's in our hearts

How we feel and live

To give our love

As a daily offering

We are broken by the world

Falling short

We do not have

To feel guilty

We are forgiven

Of course we can do better

Given the opportunity

We can mend our ways

And shine like a new pin

We beat ourselves up

Thinking we should

Be different

But our hearts keep us on track

Taking us back home

To where we live

Each day in our heart

The place we call home

In the universe of mankind

In the world of demand and supply

We can live the life

Our dreams are making

Because we believe

Because our hearts are beating

C. Kenneth Mood

The Last Word

Ok then, that brings me to the end of another edition. But before I go, I will leave you with my poem 'Home' which is taken from my collection 'Honesty is the best policy' enjoy!

Home

Safe

haven

protected

beautiful.

This

small

niche

fits

perfectly

round

me.

c. Anita McNamee

Until we meet again, stay beautiful.

All the best

Anita McNamee

Director - Poetry over coffee

________________________________________________________

Spring  2010 - Issue Number 2

Step into Springtime!!!

Welcome to the Spring Issue of Poetry over Coffee!!!

In this issue ....

.....we have a fantastic selection of poetry from talented writers across the world.

We have inclusions from: Jamie Hird, Noris Roberts and new writers including David Mac,Tim Kitchen, Tony Martin, and Joe Hayto.

We also have an exclusive interview with Fiona Sinclair, with details about her own online magazine 'Message in a Bottle'

Links promoting new books including: 'Chasing Shadows' from Nottingham Crime/Thriller writerJohn Baird and 'Second Sight' a ghostly murder mystery from Paula Newcombe.

Also included :  information on events, competitions and much more, so read on and relax.

Without further ado, let us step into springtime with this wonderful poem by Jamie Hird entitled 'Speaking of Life' enjoy!!!

Speaking of life

Hey, I can wear a t -shirt outside

for the first time this year!

Weak, but warm enough sunbeams

replenish my skin with vitamins.

The patch of soil out back

is now an intense collage

of colourful flowers and shrubs

I was sure it was raining lightly

but it's just the insects

bringing the air back to life.

Speaking of life,

Many eggs have hatched,

many animals have been born,

and the new smells in the air

of soil, plants and memories

fill me with a bliss

only spring could bring.

c. Jamie Hird

___________________________________________________________________

Featured Interview with Fiona Sinclair

Fiona Sinclair is an acclaimed writer and Editor of her own online magazine Message in a Bottle. She is a highly skilled writer of great craft and depth and I am delighted to be able to feature an interview with her, to pick up some hints and tips! For more information about Fiona or her magazine please visit her website www.fionasinclairpoetry.com

 Q. Why do you write?

A. I write because I have things I need to say or describe. I love language, the thrill of inventing new images.

Q. How often do you write?

A. I write every day for at least an hour, even if I don't want to and mostly I don't but I feel I need to practice to improve.

Q. What advice would you give to new writers, who are trying to get their works published or read for the first time?

A. Read as much contemporary poetry as possible. Look at the poems in detail. See how the poet is using language and other literary devices.

Join a group and actively analyse each others work and the work of poets you enjoy. Having written the poem, put it away for weeks then reread when you are fresh and see what you think about it.

Be prepared to edit. Some poems take months.

Invest in the book 'In the palm of your hand'. It's the best text on writing poetry I have ever read. Even I understood it!

When targeting magazines, look at their work and see if yours would be suitable. There are some magazines like 'First Time' who encourage new writers and will offer advice. Start there and as your work matures you will move onto other magazines.

If you practice regularly you will get better.

Make your mantra 'Show don't tell'. It's taken me years to understand that emotions and ideas in the best poems are shown in actions and images rather than explicitly saying 'I was sad'.

Q. Which writers inspire you and why?

A. I love Tennyson for his romantic rhythm and language. TS Eliot for his black humour and virtuoso use of imagery 'I will show you fear in a handful of dust'. Brilliant. Selima Hill for her abstractions and humour. Sharon Olds for her emotional content and language. UA Fanthorpe for her technical ability, intelligence and language. Auden just gorgeous language and ideas.

Q. Name some of your favourite poems

A. Prufrock, (Eliot) Crossing the bar, (Tennyson) The Voice (Hardy), Musee des beaux arts (Auden), Women Laughing (Fanthorpe), The world's entire wasp population (Hill).

Q. Favourite film?

A. The Third Man/ Rear Window / Some like it hot

Q. Favourite book?

A. Great Expectations

Q. Favourite music?

A. The Rolling Stones......Sympathy for the Devil/Honky Tonk Woman / You can't always get what you want.

And finally....

Q. What is your favourite  quote/motto?

A. 'Whenever you are going through Hell, keep going'

____________________________________________________________________

Introducing David Mac

David Mac is a gifted writer and I am thrilled to be showcasing his work. He describes himself as one of the greatest forklift drivers of all time and his work has been featured in Ambit, Mud Luscious, This Zine Will Change Your Life, Ink Sweat & Tears and Neon Highway to name but a few. The poem I have included is entitled 'Last Meal' and it provides a snap shot into the unique writing gift that this man has.

Last Meal

The restaurant was busy, but during their meal

the woman suddenly screamed and just

stabbed her guy in the eye with her fork.

The crowd went mad all hooting and babbling.

We pissed ourselves laughing at it all,

all this new madness, and my girl asked me,

'So, what do you think he said to her?'

'Well,' I replied, 'if I had to guess, I would say

that he just told her that he wants to make it

as a writer, and that he's going to quit his job

and move back in with his parents or live

on the streets, and that  he's bordering on

alcoholism or drug abuse, and that he's

finishing with her because he doesn't

love her anymore, because words

are all that matter to him now.'

'How can you tell that?' she asked.

'Well,' I began, 'I've got

something to tell you'.

c. David Mac

I strongly suggest that you read more of his work which is available in 2 chapbooks namely 'The Luton Ghoul Booms' priced at £2.50 (where his poem Last Meal is included) and his new book 'Happiness was a Fool we used to Know'  priced at £3.00 due out soon . To obtain a copy of either book, please contact David on drmcmullan@hotmail.co.uk Highly Recommended!!!

**************************************************************************

Introducing Tim Kitchen

Tim Kitchen is an experienced and talented writer who has just self published his first book 'The Other Side of Me - A collection of poems by Tim Kitchen'.

Tim is based in the East Midlands in the UK and in this issue I will be showcasing 2 poems entitled 'War Child' and 'Just to be Happy'

War Child

Little girl, trying to sleep in your bed

don't listen to the sound of the bombs nearby

just close your eyes and try not to cry

and let your brother sing you a lullaby.

*************

And don't listen to the noise of the guns

as the bullets flash by your door, don't cry

just think of the peace found in sleep

while your brother sings you a lullaby.

************

Little girl, as you sleep in your bed

when you dream, try not to dream of the day

when soldiers came with their guns

and took your father away.

************

And when you wake up to a new day

looking for the sun, through the dust and smoke

try to find some hope in that terrible place

as you and your brother strive to cope.

************

Little girl, war is the world of grown ups

and there is nothing you can do

even if you tell them of your fear and sorrow

no one will listen to you.

************

But when the war is over and done

and you no longer hear an exploding shell

maybe your young life will be a better place

more like Heaven and less like Hell.

c. Tim Kitchen

As you can see from the above poem, Tim has an almost lyrical feel to his work and manages to maintain all the passion throughout his stanzas.

The next poem by Tim is entitled 'Just to be Happy' and this highlights his skill in writing about different themes. As a bit of a romantic, I am a big fan of the following poem!!!

***********************************

Just to be Happy

Just to be happy is all I need

no dreams of ambition or desire to deceive.

Just to be happy with you by my side

with love in my heart and peace in my mind.

Just to be happy in your warm embrace

no need to be cool or win any race.

Just to be happy no grey skies above

the sun always shining down on our love.

Just to be happy my whole life through

knowing I am loved by someone like you.

c. Tim Kitchen

Introducing Tony Martin

Tony Martin is an experienced poet, based in the East Midlands, UK who has been writing for most of his life. A Bob Dylan fan, he saw his hero for the first time in the Isle of Wight in 1969. His favourite poet of the moment is a Canadian lady named Wendy Morton. In this issue I have included his poem entitled 'Tormented Demons', which runs to 5 stanzas. Expect more from this talented writer in the future.

Tormented Demons

OH, the pain as once again the darkness descends across my life,

causing a hatred of everything I cherish

seems this time not so easy to displace,

just like the rock as it approached the window

causing me to suffer and seek help,

then she appeared returning me to face my demons

and banish them to their own torment.

************

Tormented demons throughout my life, lurking in the back of my mind

waiting for the right time

now my mind is so vulnerable, there is nothing I can do to stop them from taking over.

Tears form inside causing the pain of anguish, my body trembles with

the anger, the feeling of helplessness brings causing my very soul to swell.

************

My very being is so afraid of the future, if I find her again and she accepts me

What do I do? I am not ready yet.

But I crave the reassurance her presence brings, who is she?

She is the ghost of my past and yet the promise of a future so bright,

she is my nemesis, my soul and yet the very thought of her I do fear.

************

Her presence in my mind is so poweful, so beautiful, so warming,

leaves the feeling of the acceptance of life and what it means

a life which is all things to men. Yet leaves a feeling of emptiness

which even a prayer could never fill.

************

So if this be the end of my fear then so be it, ready or not I will have to go,

the feeling of fulfilment she offers I will accept.

Could this feeling be the love I have searched for? If so welcome,

if not I pray she will return to face my demons once again

and banish them once more to the torment of my subconscious void.

c. Tony Martin

New Books from Nottingham Writers!!!

Check out the new book 'Chasing Shadows' from acclaimed Nottingham Crime/Thriller writer John Baird. Well worth investing in a copy from this gifted writer. For more information visit www.johnbairdauthor.com

Also check out the new book from Paula Newcombe entitled 'Second Sight' it is the perfect read, for all those who enjoy a good ghostly murder mystery. For more information visit www.paulanewcombe.co.uk

Events and Competitions Galore!!!!

The Poetry Library, list events and competitions that are being held throughout the year. Please visit their website www.poetrylibrary.org.uk and click on events or competitions for more information.

Introducing Joe Hayto

Joe Hayto is another talented East Midlands writer and I am delighted to  showcase his work. The following poems entitled 'Someone like You' and 'Yours Vincent'  illustrate his skill in writing shorter poems which get the message across. Enjoy!

Someone like You

Someone like you who feeds my mind

intently while I listen to your music

being played very well by a sacred hand,

who enlightens me to something very special.

*********

What gift she holds

to be able to play so enthusiastically.

Endearments expressing affection

which lingers longingly in my mind

so enchantingly I have to clap

my appreciations most cheeringly.

c. Joe Hayto

*********

Yours Vincent

Ever the effluent writer

whose words were made to read

by those knowledgeable to understand

his passion

his fervent behaviour.

********

Such is his work

an admired painter, truly admired

whose life was indeed short, too short

for those who love his work

and his eloquent writing.

c. Joe Hayto

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Here is Noris Roberts from Caracas in Venezuela with her beautiful poem 'I conceived a dream'. For more information on Noris's work please visit www.norisroberts.com

I conceived a dream

Peace arrived to every village

even the smallest things

that live on the face of the earth

opened their innate beauty.

*****

I feel it as torrent in my chest

since then, when I look to the sky, I draw my days on that dream.

If mine is an illusion, time will release this longing

I conceived a dream.....

c. Noris Roberts

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The Last Word

Right then we have come to the end of this Spring Issue and I hope that you have enjoyed reading it, as much as I have putting it together.

I shall leave you with a short poem from me entitled Eternal Jewel.

Eternal Jewel

Diamonds are forever

but life isn't , so get real

and take the money instead.

c. Anita McNamee

___________________________________________________________

Until we meet again, stay beautiful and love to all.

All the best

Anita McNamee

Director of Poetry over Coffee

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Issue One - Winter 2010

Happy New Year and Blogs Away!!!!

January 2010 Let's start with a bit of a blog. I have absolutely no idea how to blog, as I have never done it before, but then again I have never hosted my own online magazine before either...so it's all good!!!

Anyhow, hope this finds you well and not working too hard. I'm currently working my pants off in customer service and starting to hear my soul scream from the inside, so I thought I would start writing to calm me down lol!

In this winter issue I am really looking to introduce the magazine, showcase several international poets and put together some helpful signposts for budding writers. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me on buf85@hotmail.com stating Poetry over Coffee in the subject title. Ok I hope you enjoy this issue, I will start with news on a new poet and links to other publications who are looking for submissions. Enjoy!

Introducing : Noris Roberts

Noris Roberts is a poet from Venezuela who has just published her second website 'Palabras Pinceladas' (Brush-Stroked Words).

Born in Puerto La Cruz, she is a lawyer by profession and has been attracted to the arts from a young age. As a writer of poetry and short stories, she has discovered the wonders of reaching others and managing to pass on what she feels, in an imaginative way.

Her work is passionate, sometimes political, with an urgency about it that needs to be heard.

I particularly like her poem 'My Nostalgia' which is shown below and has been translated by Timothy Ades. For information about the work of Noris Roberts please visit www.norisroberts.com

My Nostalgia

My nostaglia is a lone sentence, that may carry a certain fear

It is not always the same, sometimes at will it may caress my long eyelashes and become pensive

Sublimely forgotten, my nostalgia is a fettered sorrow

It is silent, it is weeping, it is a tightly tied parasitical nostalgia

It is not of wheat, it is a mixture of earth strewn with dust

It is untimely, I have noted it and then bloodstained it is the painful grievous gesture of a religious suffering

It is the skin of night when a teardrop is welling

My nostalgia

c. Noris Roberts  c. Traduicido por Timothy Ades

Introducing Cameron Boyd

Cameron Boyd is a 17 year old talented poet and drummer from Canada. His poem 'Other times' is a simple journey of words to chill out to. Expect more from this promising young writer in the future. Definitely one to look out for. Read on and enjoy...

Other times

Sometimes i'll go for walks

long walks

down long roads.

Sometimes i'll have a nap

not a long nap

and just dream.

Sometimes i'll read a book

a big book

one that takes me weeks.

Sometimes i'll phone a friend

a close friend

one i left behind

and other times i'll just sit and think

for hours

about you.

c. Cameron Boyd

Introducing Gaynor Corkhill

Gaynor Corkhill is a successful businesswoman based in the UK, who has a passion for horses. In this extract from her poem 'Freedom' you get to experience the ride through nature, for yourself. The descriptive passion of this poem, illustrates a skill which engages the reader.

Her second poem 'Temper' shows both a sense of humour and natural timing, which is shown to perfection at the conclusion.  Expect to see more from this talented writer in the future.

Freedom

'Daylight yet to appear through the lacy fingers of the trees

Twigs snapping under hoof, like gunshots in the breaking dawn

Deers break for cover, fleet of foot

He jumps, prances to join them

Steady, steady, steady we wind through the undergrowth

Low branches reaching to ensnare me

Exposed roots grabbing at his legs

Unseen dangers in the dark still morning....'

c. Gaynor Corkhill

Temper

Why does he do it?

The wrong thing was said again

Here it comes

The furious look

The raised voice

The vein throbbing in the forehead

Expletives and insults hurled

Then

The punch

From the hard, curled fist

I feel it connect

Hear it smash

Well,

It serves him right

He knows I have a temper

c. Gaynor Corkhill

Introducing Jamie Hird

Jamie Hird is a talented writer from Scotland and one I hope to feature more in the future of this magazine. His poem Clapping Patterns is a surreal journey of bliss, which takes the reader away on joyous escape. Enjoy!

Clapping Patterns

Like setting cutlery on a bird table

the flowers had more to say than us

surrounded by hungover angels

and half-chewed dog bones.

We saw it was raining circles inside

which sent children outdoors

to play on grass beside hot, dusty concrete,

and a pond which is home

to the once-angry Gods,

if you can cast your mind back then.

Under the willow trees and gentle sunshine,

skipping games and clapping patterns

could be felt from other dimensions.

creating pens to fill the gaps

in a not-quite complete universe.

I sat and watched all this

as my guitar sang me a song

of marmalade streaked dreams,

and out-of-this-world style sand dunes,

filling me with a happiness

even the pond could never know.

c. Jamie Hird  

Introducing Benjamin Oren Moon

Benjamin Oren Moon is a writer of extreme depth and craft. Based in Louisiana, USA he often writes under his pen name 'Deercatcher' and his poem 'Mystery Preferred' shown below, illustrates the power of his writing. The layout, is almost as if thoughts are spilling out on to the page. This original presentation of the poem, really helps get the message across. Look out for more of Benjamin's work in the future.

Mystery Preferred

I wish I didn't know

all about you

How shadows make you incomplete

How men have left footprints and flags

             and their trash on your face

All the blows you've taken

No signs of being healed

You seem so alive to be so dead

Dance so beautifully

                   slowly slipping veil

                                              pitted face blurred by the beverage

the distance

Hooked on your crescent, drained with the tide

          Time staring

                     squandered

             Stagger heartsick through the day

Lost legacy

                     You've stolen my contentment

(And I have forgotten

 how to dance)

c. Benjamin Oren Moon