Grounds of St Pauls
Soft Steps on Dewy Autumn Grass, Wandering Quietly Near those Who’ve Passed …
(…because, yes, it’s a graveyard)!
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most prominent landmarks. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the City’s highest point in a Grade I listed building. Those buried at St Paul’s include Sir Alexander Fleming.
I’m currently writing poetry that is set in London and its easy to be inspired here. London is full of fascinating architecture, sights, sounds, smells and people from all over the world, making it a rich source of amazing poetic inspiration. You don’t have to live in the capital or such a huge city, inspiration can be found everywhere – just take take the time to be still and observe. On your next walk to work, to catch a train or bus, or to the shops, slow down and look around. And don’t forget to look up! I came across fascinating architecture (including gargoyles) when I slowed down and looked up at buildings.
A friend who is a published poet heard one of my poems and commented that it reminded her of a London poet called Emily Berry. I had no idea who Emily Berry was, so at my friend’s suggestion I picked up one of Emily’s collections, Dear Boy, and fell in love with her relatable style of poetry. Picnic is one of my favourite poems. It also gave me more confidence to write in my similar style. I started off as a reluctant poet until this exchange. I felt like I didn’t understand poetry or poetic form, and that I was just a prose writer
You can also read Emily’s work in her second collection Stranger, Baby and her most recent collection Unexhausted Time. Emily’s work was also published in magazines such as Granta. Emily is a co-writer of The Breakfast Bible, a compendium of breakfasts and editor of an app called Sleep Worlds. Emily also became editor of the Poetry Review.
Do pick up one of the books and see what you think. Leave a comment below or on Instagram and let me know what you think of Emily’s style.
(Post written in 2020 and updated in 2025 to include details of Emily’s new publications)
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Where do you find poetic inspiration? Who are your favourite London-based poets? Join the conversation on Instagram.
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