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.

Trenches of night between us ... - 'War History', Sam Hunt

The simple lack / Of her is more to me / Than others' presence. Edward Thomas, 'The Unknown'

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

Poetry's about what can't be said. WS Merwin

I would have words as tenacious as mules/ to bear us, sure-footed/ up the mountain of night... from 'Elemental' by Edward Baugh

There stands the base and root of the living rock,/Thirty thousand feet of solid Cumberland. - To the River Duddon, Norman Nicholson

Great poetry is always written by somebody straining to go beyond what he can do. - Stephen Spender

After 39 years, this is all I've done. - Dylan Thomas' final words

In a dark time the eye begins to see - 'In a Dark Time', Theodore Roethke

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