Poet Of The Week: Marion Manning

Welcome to “The People’s Friend” Poet Of the Week, Marion Manning. Here she tells us more about her poem “The Brothers”…

Tell us a little bit about “The Brothers”

I did two creative writing modules with my Open University degree. This included learning about poetry. I fancied writing a sonnet, as it has a “volte-face” in the middle where the poem changes tack.

The first part of the poem came to me when riding my bike with my husband. We came to a hill and picked up speed on the way down. The second part of the poem is from my favourite Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Clarence the Angel wins his wings, and the small bell ringing was the sign that it had happened.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I used to write little rhymes and poems on and off for years. I especially remember one about a new office chair that arrived at work. There was only sufficient money to buy one and we raffled it to see who would use it. I wish I had kept that poem as it was quite funny. The poems improved after studying my creative writing modules.

Who are some of your favourite poets?

We studied a number of poets at school, favourites include Walter De La Mare, Thomas Hardy (“The Darkling Thrush”), Robert Frost and John Betjeman. More recently, Pam Ayres, and at the other end of the spectrum, George Herbert’s poem “Love (111)”.

Do you write fiction as well?

In similar fashion as the poems, I have written short stories for years which have improved in recent years. “The People’s Friend” kindly published my story “Through the Golden Door” a few years ago in the Special magazine. That was a great thrill.

Thanks Marion, it’s been lovely to hear from you. 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.

Here from a previous poet of the week, Michelle Illing.