The Book Of Love And Loss

Rosie Bailey

A lovely evening yesterday at the Richard Jefferies Museum in Swindon for readings from the wonderful Book Of Love And Loss, published last year by The Belgrave Press and dedicated to the memory of the poet U. A. Fanthorpe. The book was edited by her partner Rosie Bailey and June Hall, both of whom read to open the evening, followed by several of the other contributors. The poems cover the whole spectrum of loss and make incredibly moving reading. If you haven't seen a copy, do try to get hold of one - and, for each book sold, 50p goes to Parkinsons Disease research, so appropriate when you consider the myriad losses (the "little deaths") the condition brings.

Today sees the half way point for NaPoWri Mo; I can't help feeling there ought to be a day off to take stock and to get one's breath - a bit like Refreshment Sunday half way through Lent! But - to my great surprise - I've managed to meet the challenge so far and two of the poems I've written this month got their first airing at the open mic session yesterday evening, so it's upwards and onwards with the next one ...

(PS. If you're free and in Cheltenham on Friday evening - 17th - why not come along to the New Bohemians evening at Deepspace in Hamilton Street in Charlton Kings? The theme for the evening of poetry and music will be Heroes and Heroines and for £6.50 you'll be guaranteed wine or a soft drink, nibbles and great entertainment!)