I’ve just picked up my allocation of my latest poetry collection, ‘Chasing the Ivy’. There’s nothing quite like having the books right there in front of you. Thanks to the editor of Biscuit Publishing, Brian Lister and to everyone involved in the production of the book.

If you’re a classical scholar reading this, particularly if you’re an Horatian scholar, you may be interested in these ‘versions’. If you’re involved in the contemporary poetry scene, you may also be interested. Here’s a little taster from the book:

Ode to Young Poets
(after Horace Ode 1:21 Dianam tenerae)

Girls, don’t be scared to fantasise, sex sells,
you boys as well, erotica is hot.
Use basic instinct: that’s what hits the spot.

Young women watch Madonna light the stage.
She revels in her form, gets in your head
to stir things up that otherwise were dead.

Lads, why not take the pop stars as your models?
Their stubbled sex appeal is ripe for books.
Arouse with rhyme what Robbie does with looks.

Those two could break your block, stuff empty words
with promise, give your editors a ball
and drive the weakling-writers to the wall.