“I want these poems to help people to practise empathy”

Strands of autobiography, a deeply sensuous ecology of place, historical narratives; the inner world of imagination and the often difficult realities of the postcolonial nation are interwoven in McWatt's bold but carefully worked out architecture. Peepal Tree

I'm drawn to what you might think of as traditional lyric poetry; it's an enduring, effective, powerful means of expression.

Not only rich music, an easy lyricism, but also grit, and earthy honesty, a willingness to be vulnerable and clean. - Gwendolyn Brooks

Poetry is a way of living...a human activity like baking bread or playing basketball. - Robert Hass

If you think you can do it and you want to do it - then do it. - Adrian Henri

I, too, sing America. - 'I, Too', Langston Hughes

If I didn't write poetry I think I'd explode. - Charles Causley