Our Poet Of The Week is Michelle Illing. Michelle’s poem, “A Mother’s Job”, is in The Friendship Book 2025.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your poem “A Mother’s Job”.
My inspiration for this poem was two things. I wanted to write one which was a play on the words “Silent Night” because it is one of my favourite Christmas carols. The other inspiration was my lovely daughter. She was a toddler at the time and would do anything but go to sleep. She’d want to chat, ask for drinks. How I miss those days! So I tied these two together and came up this Christmas poem.
How long have you been writing poetry?
I’ve been writing poetry since I was 8. My primary school teacher asked us to write a poem about baby Jesus and the nativity. That was my very first poem. My mum’s still got it somewhere.
Who are some of your favourite poets?
There are so many. I love Walter De La Mare particularly his poem “The Ride By Nights” about witches. I also love the children’s poet Tony Mitton. Rhyming picture book writers as well as war poets. Too many to list.
Have you always enjoyed writing poetry?
A big yes to this. Since I was 8. I’ve written poems about everything from dogs to twisted chimneys.
What other creative pursuits do you enjoy?
I also write poems for greeting cards and my New Year’s resolution is to try and break into writing rhyming picture books.
Good luck with the picture books, Michelle, and thanks for talking to us.
“The Friendship Book” which features Michelle’s poem, is available now from the DCT shop.
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!
