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

"One of our most promising young talents, Jay Bernard writes powerful and sensuous scenes from the metropolis: a teenager flies like a moth, a woman with scissors sings bees. Disturbing, joyous and always surprising.” – Pascale Petit.

These hands have Moulded monuments, created crafts, healed hearts. Khosi Xaba, from 'These Hands'

We are born to bring light / To honour the blessing of each moment / The gift of every life - Malika Ndlovu

I am the Smoke King. I am black! I am swinging in the sky, I am wringing worlds awry. - W. E. B. DuBois - 'The Song of The Smoke'

That self-same stuff which erst proud empires swayed, of which the conquerers of the world were made. - Hannah More 'Slavery: A Poem'

Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee. - Robert Burns 'Song: ae fond kiss and then we sever'

I don't want to be one of those ivory tower writers; I want to affect people's lives.

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