I realise I am a little late in posting about National Poetry DayI have been exceptionally busy doing poets in schools, mostly for Able Writers, in the last three weeks.
I was delighted to have my words chosen for one of the National Poetry Day postcards this year. My poem ‘A Modern Myth: An Athlete’s Dream’, which can be read on this blog, does fit in well with this year’s theme of Games. Watch this space for other news about this poem in 2012.
National Poetry Day itself saw me in London, in the wonderful Southbank International School, where I was giving readings encompassing every pupil in the school. I was made extremely welcome and enjoyed performing across the age range to attentive audiences who asked some very pertinent questions. Two of the schools’ s own students read poems also, before one of them was whisked off to the Foyle Young Poets event, because he was commended, something which happened to Holly Green when she was my mentee at Upton Hall School, and which greatly encouraged her. Later I gave a short workshop for the school’s writing group and met some very talented writers in the process.
National Poetry Day is a wonderful institution which helps the nation remember the importance of poetry and allows many people to participate. Once again I was part of Andy Jackson’s Patchwork poem, assembled from poems which the various contributors sent to him. National Poetry Day is directed by Jo Bell – well done once again Jo for another great celebration! Jo is already working on 2012’s events!
Angela Topping 
Hi Angela – All power to Jo, I say, for her splendid efforts in organising National Poetry Day. Applause, also, to all those such as yourself taking poetry to the people not only on NPD but all year round. Indeed to all those promoting quality literature of whatever type or genre, because it surely does have the power to transform lives for the better.
Poetry, good prose too, can be uplifting, inspiring, make us feel we’re not alone with our problems, and help restore us to ourselves. Even pure entertainments can refresh our perspective and help us go on.
I’m not madly into Games, to be honest, except for chess, pool and table tennis (the latter brings out the beast in me!), but I do like ‘An Athlete’s Dream’ and suspect it’ll turn out to be a much anthologised piece. I can even see the line “I did not tire. My shoes wore out” appearing on Olympic T-shirts!
All best, Paul
Thanks Paul
I think I wrote that poem because I CAN’T run for toffee. Sometimes poems let you do things you can’t actually really do in life. Also I love Greek Myths. At school on my UCAS form I listed Chess as my sport…
I will be in touch.
Angela