Meet “The People’s Friend” Poet Of the Week, Laura Tapper. She shares the sentiments behind her latest poem, “Rainy Afternoon Blues”…
Tell us about your poem “Rainy Afternoon Blues”.
Ironing has never been my favourite job. That said, as my poem mentions, my grandma was dedicated to the task and I have very fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table of an evening doing my homework while she ironed just about everything, underwear included! The radio would be on and we’d chat about my day in the most companionable way.
My own daughter and I shared similar experiences on rainy afternoons, when I would put on a favourite movie and we’d have a cosy time together while I worked my way through a teetering pile of clothes, some of which we’d thought were lost! Therein lay the inspiration for my poem and I feel certain other people share my aversion.
When did you start writing poetry?
I’ve written poetry since I was in primary school and encourage the pupils I work with, now, to explore their creativity in the same way. It’s great fun to play with words and I remember one of my early attempts was about St George and the Dragon.
Who are some of your favourite poets?
There are so many to choose from and I’m encountering new ones all the time. Wendy Cope is somebody whose work I’m enjoying at the moment along with Carol Ann Duffy. And I always make a point of calling in on John Betjeman’s statue whenever I’m in St Pancras station because I’ve loved his poems since my high school days.
Which poets do you think deserve more recognition?
I think it is easy to overlook the craft and skill of poets who write for children. As a junior school librarian I am in the lucky position of choosing “poem of the week” for the Monday assemblies and it gives me the perfect excuse to explore the enormous variety of quality poetry written for young audiences by poets like Joseph Coelho, Liz Brownlee, Matt Goodfellow and many more.
Their beautiful, poignant, inspiring and funny pieces reflect the world around us, explore our inner landscapes, look forward with hope and remind us to appreciate the little things, which is often just what we all need.
Thanks Laura, it’s lovely to hear you are inspiring a new generation of poets. Congratulations on being “The People’s Friend” Poet of the Week!
“The Friendship Book” is filled with creative poetry. Pick it up now from the DCT shop.
Hear from a previous poet of the week, Michelle Illing.
Tracey Steel Having worked on a number of magazines over the years, I have found my perfect place on the “Friend” as I’m obsessed with reading and never go anywhere without a book! I read all of our stories with a mug of tea close by and usually a bit of strong cheese too!
