Catherine Smith

Biography

Two publications - The New Bride (shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, 2001) and The Butcher's Hands (PBS Recommendation, shortlisted for the Aldeburgh/Jerwood Prize 2004). In 2004 voted both on of the top ten women poets by Mslexia Magazine and also one of the 20 'Next Generation' poets by the PBS/Arts Council. New collection, Lip, forthcoming from Smith/Doorstop 2007. Has performed at Hay, Cheltenham, RFH, Poetry Cafe, lots of public libraries and draughty church halls, Aldeburgh Poetry Festival. Teaches Creative writing in schools, Universities and a 6th form college. Has run a course for the Arvon foundation. One husband, two teenagers, two cats. Based in East Sussex but will travel for bookings.

Samples

Soul (published in The Butcher's Hands) The Presbyterian on my doorstep tells me my lack of religious conviction means I'm an unfit mother to my innocent children, my soul is currently in the possession of Lucifer. I decide my soul is a small brown dog (of interest only to me and Lucifer), an ugly mongrel (part terrier), with a penchant for wine gums and shagging strangers' ankles, and it grew savage and grizzled - incontinent and snappy, one ear frilled by fighting, a rheumy left eye. A liability, its breath stinking of old meat. So I tell the Presbyterian Lucifer's welcome to it. c. Catherine Smith

All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.