Do you have a particular place or time you enjoy composing poetry?
No, I think inspiration can strike at any time. All art works like that. You just have to be ready to catch it and turn it into something.
Can you remember poetry at school? Did it help or hinder your love of poetry?
I loved poetry at school. I would often choose to write in poetic form even when it wasn’t required. It just feels more natural for me as a way of expressing things. I know that’s not the norm, but it’s how I tend to see the world.
What’s a poem you love that really showcases how much emotion poetry can demonstrate?
I really love the poem “There’s a Hole in My Soul” from All of Me. It’s about grief, and it makes me pause for a few quiet moments every time I read it. That’s what’s magical about poetry. It can transport you to a feeling or a moment and help you access emotions that are often difficult to express, especially in times like grief.
What’s the biggest misconception about poetry?
That it’s pompous or snobbish. It really isn’t. Poetry can be funny, deep, clever, romantic, musical. Rap is poetry. Song lyrics are poetry. The idea that it’s only for literary elites is completely wrong.
Why do you love it?
It’s the most cathartic thing in my life. Whether I’m happy, sad or angry, I can channel it into writing and I always feel better afterwards. If it can help others the way it helps me, then it’s an incredible gift to share with the world.
Poetry is often more enjoyable than children expect. What would you say to kids unsure if poetry is for them?
I’d tell them The Gruffalo is poetry. Your favourite song is poetry. The way you remember “Remember, remember the fifth of November” is poetry. It’s everywhere. Once you realise that, you start to see how much there is to enjoy.
What would you suggest to teachers who are hesitant to teach poetry?
Make it playful. Let children be silly and creative. Give them permission to explore ideas freely. Yes, there are rules in poetry, but they can all be broken. What matters most is that the poem contains a piece of the writer and their view of the world.
What is the potential of poetry?
To me, poetry is both pointless and limitless. In day-to-day life it doesn’t earn money or fix practical problems. But in moments when you feel lost, alone, in love, or overwhelmed, a poem can offer connection. It can condense feelings you can’t quite grasp and present them in a way you can recognise and process. In those moments, a poem can be magical and can feel more valuable than gold.
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Many thanks to Rachel for answering these questions. You can see more about her poetry collections, including the paperback of A Kid in my Class using the links below.
