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.

Spoz…is an award winning performance poet, singer / songwriter, film maker, playwright and was the poet-in-residence at Birmingham City FC. He has been seen on BBC and Central Television, has written for and been heard on … BBC Radio Four, Radio Five Live, Radio West Midlands, Radio Coventry & Warwickshire and Capital Gold, as well as the toilet. Spoz has performed at many festivals across the UK and was ‘crowned’ Birmingham’s eleventh poet laureate in October 2006. He continues to work extensively in schools, lifting the appeal of writing and performing poetry to hitherto, unseen heights. Spoz manages and facilitates many school poetry slam projects, including Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Sandwell, Gloucestershire and other regions nation wide and released his first poetry anthology for “the young and young at heart” in January 2009. “The Day the Earth Grew Hair … and Other Stuff.”

Spoz very kindly answered some questions for us about poetry, its potential and why he loves it…

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

Not really. Sometimes poetry has a really awkward way of presenting itself to be written. I may have just gone to bed and ideas pop into my head. Sometimes I may be driving … this is particularly awkward. Sometimes I may be on the toilet, which is why I have a note pad and pen by the loo roll.

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

I remember some. I remember “Timothy Winters” by Charles Causley, which I really loved for the rhythm and rhyme. I didn’t know what it meant at the time, but now I do it’s even more sublime (see what I did there?)

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 your own!!!

Oooooo … that’s tough one. I reckon my poem “Brian the Balloon Dog” goes through a whole load of emotions, including joy, as well as a bit of sadness.

What’s the biggest misconception about poetry?

That it’s difficult to write! The other one is that people think it’s boring. Boring poems are boring, fun poems are fun! It’s like football … some matches are boring and some are not!

Why do you love it?

I love it because it’s a great way of expressing myself in a creative way. I love writing songs and lyrics too, which is very similar to writing poetry.

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

The good thing with most poems is that they’re not very long! Pick different authors and poems and give them a go. If you don’t like one, you might like another, and you wouldn’t have wasted to much time on the ones you didn’t like! Then have a go at writing your own and see if you like them.

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?

Dear teachers! Get me in to have a day or two of poetry fun with your students, then use my ideas and activities for the future!

What is the potential of poetry?

It’s endless! It has the potential to make you laugh or cry, the potential to make you ask the question “why”? The potential to sing to a dance floor banger, the potential to calm or raise some anger!

Many thanks to Spoz for sharing his poetry insight. You can find out more about his poetry collections below and get details on how he can visit your school by visiting his site here.