Celebrating National Poetry Day 2021


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Working on the poetry for “The People’s Friend” is a real pleasure.

We have such talented poets writing for us and their work always leaves you feeling positive. Even on the worst of days, they never fail to lift my spirits.

It’s a cherished part of the “Friend” for many readers – some of you have told us you save clippings of favourite poems from the magazine.

And one of our most popular pages of the website is Fiction Ed Lucy’s post about Edgar A. Guest’s, “Don’t Quit“.

Guest’s poem is enduring and has helped many through the darkest moments of the pandemic over the last 18 months.

That’s why poetry is so special.

To be able to communicate something and to pack a punch in just a few lines is incredible.

They’re small enough to carry in your pocket, even your purse, but big enough to make an impact on our lives.

Poetry in the “Friend”

Our Autumn Special, which is available now, features four wonderful poems to get you in that cosy, autumnal mood.

Iris Hesselden’s “Autumn Beauty” describes how autumn seems to sneak up on us and surprise us every year with its splendour. Iris is one of our most beloved poets.

“First Grandchild” by Lucy Chester paints a touching scene of a stroll through the woods with a young grandchild. A moment captured in time and held close forever.

Maggie Ingall’s poem, “Mushroom Mornings”, is all about foraging for your breakfast and it’s sure to make your mouth water!

Finally, “Handicraft Heaven” by Laura Tapper captures a craft person’s excitement when standing before rolls and rolls of fabrics. Isn’t this time of year just perfect for sitting and making something?

And don’t miss Wendy Turner’s lovely feature for National Poetry Day in the same issue. She’s collected poetry all about flowers to make a poetry bouquet.

That means there are four more poems to read in this issue!


Find out more about National Poetry Day here.

Abigail Phillips

Abbie is the newest member of the fiction team at the "Friend." She loves how varied the role is - every day is different and there is always a new story to read. She is keen to work closely with established writers and discover new writers, too.