Where did the photography and the poetry go?

Did I forget that I have more than one outlet? Maybe.

I released an entire book of poetry, insert shameless plug here; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Digging-Graves-Poems-Experiences-Digger-ebook/dp/B0DNXVKHWQ

I loved writing that book. The poems had been written years before when I was working in a cemetery. It was all I did to keep the demons and dark thoughts that line of work brings at bay. When I left I collected them, and some short experiences, and placed them into a neat little morning commute book. It was great. Outside of my first book, Organ, this collection might be my favourite piece of work I have written to date. 

So why did I stop writing poetry?

Perhaps I was distracted by work, but that feels like a cop out. I think in reality I just dove too greedily and too deep into extended fiction instead of taking a break. I could have been placing some more poetry on the fire for those warm wintery nights away from the dark creatures and worlds that I create.

Going through my folders, my endless collection of folders, I found perhaps another fifteen or sixteen finished and completed poems. Some good, some very "meh" but what is a writer if not a machine destined to splurge out crap with the occasional misshapen piece of gem. I have the backlog. I have the time. Maybe. I might have spoken prematurely or naively on that one. 

But this is my short sighted and abrupt announcement that within my next two or three books, I will write another collection of poetry. I don't know what the subject will be. Lets brainstorm while you are here.

Maybe a collection of poems on life in Essex.

Maybe a collection of poems and short stories from my traveling.

Watch this space. Because I think its time this little filthy bard spun some more poetica. And wasn't that sentence just the worst thing you have read today? I hope so.

Now onto the photography.

So I bought a camera during covid. Alongside millions of others suddenly looking for a new hobby to ignore that the world was falling apart. I did some private work and made some money, not enough to offset the cost of the camera mind you. 

What I did enjoy for that brief stint into photography projects again, was a collection I put together in a set called "Damage Done". It was a dark surreal gallery that Tanya and I worked on that told a story of mental collapse in black and white photos. 

It wasn't really showcased anywhere. But it was FUN. It was an outlet to express more creativity when the writing was getting me stuck in place, maybe I need something new to shoot. Maybe I should stop saying maybe. 

So, yeah. Thank you for reading this rambling nonsense as I wait for the kettle to boil and sit down to watch Liquorice Pizza for the first time. I will come here to shout loud and annoyingly when I do either. When I put together a new idea for a photography project or when I land on that poetry idea. 

Lets see where the wind takes me.

Onwards. Stay bright and full of pickle juice, you fluffy little dust bunnies.