Let me start by saying how incredibly grateful I am to have been a part of this festival. To share the poetic space with such talent was a fantastic experience, and I hope to be a part of many more experiences like this in the future. 

Bones, fastly fired out the words like a well oiled machine, speaking truths from his Warrior Bible. I’m always in awe of that fast paced style, and just how do they remember all of those words? I can barely remember my own short poems.

Poetic Malevolence, with the unnerving, darkness invoking, fear provoking words that sent chills up, and down my spine. Warren from SUIT, reached into his dark troubled roots, pulling out very powerful, personal, performance.

Worrapalava, with the unbelievable ensemble of talent that is; Kerry Davison, Keith Gwilliams, Lynn Hawthorne, and Brendan Hawthorne, bringing their wonderful words with rhythm, and rhyme. 

  Mark Ingram, and Russell Smith, walking words along a landscape of salivating sounds. Paul McDonald, Bethany Williams, Cheryl Boot, are just so damn good. We had a laugh with Rachel Shakepeare, whose words had been comically printed so small that she struggled to read them, but when she did, she just blew us away. Much like; Kate Gilbert, Anna Turner, Laura Liptrot, Ajay Pall. 

 And the icing on the cake for me was the great sound from Maurice Malcolm, and Riley Daley, calling out for a “Ceasefire.” All of these people were so damn good, and inspiring. And then there’s little old me, Anthony J Ball, the pea of poetry,(is that going to stick with me now?) green with envy, sandwiched in between the meat.

 I’ve been writing poetry, and short stories since about 2019. In those beginnings of my literate creativity, I can say it was definitely a secret. The thought of sharing my work was unthinkable. But by taking these opportunities like the Literature festival, and by the support of the heart warming poetry community; it gives me confidence to share my words. 

 The first person to really give me confidence was another Darlaston poet by the name of Leanne Cooper. She was so inspiring, and really helped me on my poetic journey, and self discovery. Not only did she help me to be a better poet, but a better person as well; and my very first book, ’Asleep At 3 AM,’ was titled to pay homage to her first book, ‘Awake at 3 AM.’ Since then I have gone on to publish another collection of poetry, and short stories, titled, ‘Transformation,’ and I’m currently working on a third book, yet to be titled. 

 You can usually find me performing at The Fountain pub in Walsall, the first Tuesday of every month, or at The Orchard in Wednesbury, last Tuesday of every month. And of course taking part here, and there in the various local gigs that arrive. 

 I’m on Facebook, and my books are on Amazon, somewhere. Reach out to me for signed copies, a link or just add me as a friend if you like.

I’m so grateful to Ian Henery, not just for his continuing support, but for the first push that really kick started my performances. Also, Ian Davies, Brendan Hawthorne, another two of my heroes; for giving people like me the chance to share their words. I’ve been inspired by so many others too; Gerald Kells, Glynn Phillips, Poetic Malevolence, just to name a few. But it’s through watching others, listening, and learning that’s helped me create, and evolve my own work.

Taking part in workshops by Mel Wardle Woodend, The workshop by Poets, Prattlers, and Pandamonialists was also so very helpful to me; so many opportunities given by very generous people. And I’ll continue to work on my poetry that has helped me through dark mental health times, and accompanied me through those better times.

 In my eyes, poets are the best people. I think it is the nature of what we do, sharing our words, baring our souls that humbles us; those inner pieces of ourselves that one would normally hide inside. We share, we relate, we connect, we respect.

  Poets forever.

Photo Credit: Brendan Hawthorne