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Sin Cycle, a new poetry sequence from Peter Kenny

by Robin Houghton on January 28, 2020

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Epigraphs, we’re told, are risky – they have a habit of upstaging the poem that follows. But the quote from William Blake is an apt start to Peter Kenny’s Sin…

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From Picasso to Garsdale: news roundup

by Robin Houghton on May 14, 2018

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Taking a leaf out of Peter Kenny’s book, here are seven items from the imaginary newsdesk at Kenny Houghton Towers (sorry Peter – but as Picasso said – possibly – ‘Good artists…

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Giveaway winner PLUS 2 tickets for the TS Eliots at bargain price

by Robin Houghton on January 9, 2018

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It seems to be the thing at the moment when it comes to ‘picking a name out of the hat’ to make a wee film of it. I can see…

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Readings, diagram poems and towards a new handmade pamphlet…

by Robin Houghton on November 11, 2017

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Oh dear, looks like it’s been a while since my last post – there’s been a lot going on, including a birthday (and all the stock-taking and reassessing that brings),a…

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January – ugh! Thank goodness for poetry events…

by Robin Houghton on January 9, 2016

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As the wind howls outside and the next five-day block of rain chunters towards our heads, I’m feeling very grateful for some poetry relief this dark month. Last Thursday we…

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Should poems be read from memory?

by Robin Houghton on December 3, 2015

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I’ve only really started reading poems from memory this year, but rarely an entire set. I admire those poets who not only memorise long, often VERY long poems, but communicate them with panache…

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A Bonanza, a Finale and a look ahead to 2016

by Robin Houghton on November 29, 2015

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It’s been a busy week, still catching up, but I wanted to post a recap of things before we’re into the pre-Christmas week when events seem to accelerate. Last Monday I…

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The Reading List, week 6: Duhig, Kenny, Murray, Lehane

by Robin Houghton on September 7, 2015

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This post is the latest update to my ‘Reading List’ project begun in July 2015. The Lammas Hireling, Ian Duhig (Picador, 2003) From the opening poem ‘Blood’, an extended description…

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An update on submissions, readings etc and a nail-biting aside

by Robin Houghton on June 2, 2015

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My fingernails are looking reasonable at the moment, which is pretty good considering that the house-moving stressometer is probably at its highest right now. A short aside about nailbiting –…

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Reading from memory

by Robin Houghton on April 16, 2015

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Memorising poems has been much in the news lately. Classrooms recitals for children seem to be making a comeback. Julianne Moore’s character in ‘Still Alice’ is seen reciting Elizabeth Bishop’s ‘One…

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