The divisions of real life can disappear in poetry. Partly through metaphor, partly through the surprise of a poet's vision, we are shown a landscape that is both with and without walls.

Poets can learn a lot from the timing of the best comics: pacing, economy, judiciousness, silence, rhythm, reward.

It's an existential act, it's vocational, a necessity, a way of working things out.

I look away, but it draws my eye./The water inside me wants it./My hand wants to write it. from 'Irrigator in the Far Field' by Stephanie Norgate.

There is no reason for me to write poetry, except that I want to; there are, rather, compelling reasons for me to stop. But I know it's too late now. - Alison Croggon