Student poetry at the University of Cumbria

By Jess Copley

Writing poetry is not specific to those academically involved in creative writing, it is a pastime which spreads across ages, genders and interests and backgrounds. Here are some poems written by students at the UoC.

Sexy Beast 
 
You sexy beast, 
rip me up with your claws 
on my lustful skin, I will let you feast. 
 
Pulsate me with your echoing growl, 
for tonight I am you willing victim 
so go ahead and make me howl.  
 
Luke Milne, 18 (1st year BA Joint Hons Journalism and Creative Writing)
“This poem was written originally for a creative writing project, it’s a different theme to what I usually write about, however I quite like it. Creative Writing at the UoC has definitely enhanced my poetry and writing skills.”

An Open Letter to a Lover 
 
I have all your records 
Even that collectible '88 tour t-shirt 
you brought me flowers 
even when you were really hurt 
but I know you love Johnny more 
so stop being a dick and reform the The Smiths.

Robbie Scott, 20 (2nd year BA Graphic Design)
“I don’t normally write poetry but it is fun if you get the chance. I wrote a poem about The Smiths mostly because I like The Smiths but also because I think poetry can just be silly and a joke, not just over the top flowery nonsense!”

Untitled

Area 51a is in my backyard 
I often converse with visitors
to my garden. 
We swap recipes and gossip 
we chat about the space/time continuum 
and how hard it's getting 
to find a quiet spot to land. 
I make coffee and roll cigarettes to share 
and in return 
they promise not to tell 
anyone that I exist.

Lynette Shaw McKone, 54 (BA Hons Creative Writing)
“I come from a working class, multi-racial background, my father being Irish/Scottish but born in Yorkshire and my mother being Anglo Indian/Scottish and born in India. I have 3 children and 8 grandchildren, all of whom I adore. 
I chose to come to unit for several reasons, I suppose the main one would be that I desperately wanted to go to uni from school, but my mother decreed that, as I was 'only a girl' I didn't need further education; she found me a menial job which I began the Monday after I left school! 

I have been a semi-professional writer/poet/storyteller for around 18 years and have been published in many anthologies, magazines, websites etc. I've read my poetry on TV and Radio, both in the UK and in the States and at many festivals and events. As a creative writing tutor already (I have a certificate in teaching adult learners!) I've always been conscious that one of my main weaknesses has been in the technical side of my writing. I hope that I will become more efficient and deliver better classes/groups/workshops. 
Also, for the first time in my life, I found myself in the happy position of being able to do what I like without having to consider anyone else. 
Right up to the day of the first class I was nervous about the course, I did feel a bit strange at first, being the oldest in the group, but now I don't mind at all. 
I can't think of any real problems apart from the fact that I have a 110 mile round trip every time I attend class! 
My advice to other people would be: Go for it, it's nothing like being back at school.” 
 
 A fish out of water 
A time for change, but you hesitate 
whilst that same voice inside pipes up 
Echoing like that broken tap at the end of a corridor
it begins to resonate, 
Amplifying dread with every drip. 
But you've pushed with all your might 
To take on everything in sight, 
There's no more fear to fight, 
It's where you want to be. 
But is it? 
Cause whilst you're here... you're not 
And when you're 'home'... it's not 
Your quest begins to rot, 
For that one place you belong. 
Your Sanctuary.

Craig Ring, 18, BA Joint Hons Performing Arts and Creative Writing
“I've enjoyed writing from an early age, creating stories and boring my parents to death each night when they had to read them. Mainly nowadays I write scripts as opposed to poems or short stories however I do write songs and the lyrics often are kind of like poetry with a short story to them. My songs are usually written to convey thoughts, feelings and experiences. Whilst I don't normally write poetry it does provide an interesting challenge.”