We have poetry on our minds all through the month of March as part of our year long celebration of all things books and reading for The National Year of Reading 2026.

Poetry is a fantastic medium to read, write and perform and with World Poetry Day falling on the 21st of March we want to share lots of wonderful poets, their published words and their generously shared thoughts and insight into the value of poetry, how it can work in classrooms and why they love it so much.

Do you have a particular place or time you enjoy composing poetry?

I love writing at home in my office early mornings and late evenings. But over the years I’ve had to learn to write when and where ever. Even if it’s just voice memos or using my notes app during travel. The spontaneous arrival of ideas has become so important for me to capture that I’ve had to make a daily habit of it.

Can you remember poetry at school? Did it help or hinder your love of poetry?

Poetry at school changed my life. Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s We Wear The Mask spoke to me in a deeply liberating and empowering way. So much so that I wrote a piece of poetry at age eleven. It was my first poem about the challenges of home. Four to five years later after discovering the relationship of poetry and hip hop, creativity through words became essential. By the time I reached University, saw the film Slam, and started frequenting open mics on campus, it became clear that my life’s path would be paved in words.

What’s a poem you love that you think really showcases how much emotion (of any kind) poetry can demonstrate – it can be one you own!!!

Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s – We Wear The Mask 

My poem & song – King Author 

What’s the biggest misconception about poetry?

There are several big misconceptions for me about poetry which are:

• That at it’s best it’s hard to understand
• That’s it’s more viable in academia then in highstreets and neighbourhoods
• That Old European men are most deserving of canonisation and study
• That hip hop lyricism isn’t poetry.
• That everyone isn’t capable of writing outstanding poetry
• That songwriters aren’t poets

Poetry is much more enjoyable and satisfying than many children think, what would you say to kids not sure if poetry is for them?

I share with pupils all the time that life is poetry. Poetry is rhythmic emotional imagery through words. Every life on earth has a rhythm and experiences that deserve to be remembered and shared. Discovering the art of finding the right words to share our experiences multiplies the beauty of living an impactful life.

Poetry is instant power and fun for all to access.

And what would you suggest to teachers who are hesitant to teach it, how might they introduce or attempt a series of fun poetry lessons?

I feel teachers should not only teach it. But write and do it themselves. Some of my most fulfilling school visits have been when I have unexpectedly had teachers joining in pupil writing sessions. And coming up with something they have been inspired to share. Often saying they wished they had this opportunity when in school. This has been one of the greatest honours of my experience with poetry.

The tool I always leave behind is what I call the Secret Sauce of great poetry. Which I like to keep a secret until I visit schools.

What is the potential of poetry?

Poetry is a global phenomenon for change.

It has been everywhere in history, not just in the written text. But even poetic devices, or figurative approaches used in creating film characters and city landscape designs, the metaphors of shape, and repetition of layout have allowed cultures to flourish and nurture each other. The impact of poetry on the human imagination lifts us to undiscovered heights beyond limitations, on a daily basis. And it will continue to do so as it grows beyond misconceptions.

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Many thanks to Kimba for sharing his poetry insight.  You can find out more about his collection Write the Wrongs using the link below and get details on how he can visit your school by visiting his website here.