Black Country

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If a reputation can be earned through the writing of half a dozen poems of real worth then Liz Berry has probably already written them, earning her place in the landscape of early 21st century British poetry. Her debut collection (containing 14 poems from the earlier chapbook The Patron Saint of Schoolgirls (tall-lighthouse, 2010) has charm, accessibility and a humour that belies the serious ways in which she exerts pressure to counter the hegemonies of language, gender, locality, even of perception. Berry is a teacher by profession and will, no doubt, have equivocal feelings about her work appearing in classrooms – but it will rapidly and rightfully find a place there. The shepherds turned to goo, an little Jesus smiled. The leader said after as it wind, an all babbies did it, but ee wor as sure as ee med out. While all this was a-gooin on, three wise kings was in a country far away lookin at stars. Suddenly, one on em put down is telescope an called: "cum eer yo lot. Oi've fun a star wot wor theer afore, and it ay arf a big un." In the noight, Mary woke Joseph up an said: "The babby's ere." So Jesus was born, an they wrapped im up tight an put im in the manger what the osses et out on. Mary an Joseph wor arf proud. the innkeeper cum with is missus an brought Mary sum ot milk.

The King's name was Erod, an ee was in. "There's three kings to see yo," the soldier told im. "Oh ar?" said Erod. "Weer?" Ee ad a fit when the soldier told im "Outside." So they all come in, an Erod said ow noice to see em an wot cud ee do fer emn. they said they was looking fer a new king, and wondered if ee was theer. When eed gone, Mary sat fer a bit an thought about it, then er med up er mind to goo and see Elizabeth. So er ad a swill an went off ter Juda.If you would like to comment on these poems, or if you would like to see one of your own here at Yampy Another agreed an said: "It wor arf a good tune what hey sung, but I cor remember the words, con you?" Favourite quote: ‘ find a lamp and empty your paradise onto a desk: your white sands, green hills and fresh fish’. About the Author: Pete Bouncer, or "Bounce", says he is "just on the wrong side of fifty". A metal polisher by trade and born & bred in Walsall town centre, he started writing around 30 years ago for his own pleasure. "I never really thought anyone else would be interested" he tells us. He's dead wrong on that score!

Rob, who is a lecturer in creative and professional writing at the University of Wolverhampton began penning the poems before the 2016 Brexit referendum. The star stopped over the ouse where Jesus was, an the kings day worry cos it wor a Palace. They went in an knelt down by Jesus an gid him their gold, frankincense and myrhh. A route to the four corners of the world … Pumping station on the Birmingham to Wolverhampton Canal. Photograph: Alamy One thing to note is that, during this time, I was constantly switching between my birth name of Elinor and my preferred/pen name of Nellie. Especially with the poems and projects associated with university (where I was registered as Elinor), this can cause a bit of confusion! I now solely write, publish, and perform under the name Nellie. Well, if you say so, ar suppose that's it," said Mary. "Ar cor do anythin about it, but me chap wo arf be surprised."In Subsidence, Rob Francis has explored how the area’s past has shaped not only what we see today but also its working class communities. Mary smiled an said: "Oil spin sum wool an knit im a jumper, an is dad'll play the flute ter mek him sleep."