Twelve years ago, I moved house, leaving a lot behind, not least my book club. I decided to take the opportunity to try something new, partly because at that stage I did not want the commitment of reading a lengthy novel every month, but I did still want the chance to meet and talk about literature.
So I posted on my new area’s google group to see if anyone would be interested in joining a poetry group. Several people were prepared to give it a go, and last week, as we gathered for our first meeting of 2026, I reflected on what an impact it has had on my reading and writing.
The rules are very few and are as follows:
- We meet monthly and the host (we take it in turns) sets the theme
- Everyone brings one poem (I should stress this is not to show case your own work) and enough copies for everyone coming
- We take it in turns to read our poem out loud and then discuss it.
Simple as that.
A few other factors contribute to the smooth running of the group. The host is forbidden from providing anything other than a couple of bowls of nuts or crisps and a glass or two of wine or soft drinks. Strictly no baking. We consider ourselves quorate at about 4, we usually number about 7, and occasionally peak at 9 or 10, but traditionally only for our Christmas bonanza. We have one brilliant ‘member’ who herds us into shape on dates and hosts, but otherwise there is literally no admin.
We only ever talk about the poems.
We are a mixed bunch, in terms of backgrounds, interests, ages and abilities and consequently, every month, we enjoy an incredibly rich mix of poems. Example: this January, on the theme of Optimism (chosen by me to counter act the news gloom) we read the following:
Octavia Paz ‘Happiness in Herat’
Robert Herrick ‘Farewell Frost’
Shelagh Pugh ‘Sometimes’
Emily Dickenson ‘Hope is the thing with feathers’
Jorie Graham ‘Approaching Sundown’
Derek Mahon ‘Everything is going to be alright’
Through the group I have been introduced to poets I’ve never read, I’ve rediscovered poets, I’ve heard poets in translation and poets writing from Anglo Saxon times to now. I don’t necessarily like every poem I hear, but I always enjoy the discussion as we peel away layers of meaning and relish evidence of craft. The themes we have explored over the past twelve years cover an astonishing array of topics from maths to migration, from ruins to rivers to reason and everything in between.
Each month I am required to rummage through all my faded paperbacks, my collections, my editions of Poetry Review, pamphlets bought at readings in long forgotten bookshops, google (when desperate), in search of a poem which fits the theme and that in itself is always an immensely rewarding journey of discovery.
As with prose, I believe that everything you read informs your writing, consciously or subconsciously. So with poetry; this exposure to the very best of human creativity enriches my writing and my soul.
Happy New Year – and a suggestion for you from one of this month’s offerings,
‘ risk joy
In the raw wind of the new world.’