Gillian Byrom-Smith

Biography

I left my home city of Manchester to study drama and English in York, before returning in 2016. I worked at the ‘coal face’ of literature, in bookshops, for many years. I often collaborate with composer Peter Byrom-Smith, with whom I have received several joint commissions. Song settings of my poems have been performed at many concerts including Ilkley and Ryedale Literature Festivals. My poetry is included in ‘Fruitful Futures;’ a groundbreaking book on future living. I have recently completed an opera with a Japanese composer and my first poetry collection, 'Heading for the Hills,' was published in 2016 by Stairwell Books.

Samples

At the Water's Edge Water washes, tugging, teasing. Single magpie cries. Crown of daisies, bouquet of marigold. Mermaid floating, mermaid drowning. Fragile forget-me-nots, blown and battered. Crown of cypress, bouquet of sweet pea. Mermaid floating, mermaid drowning. Sweet sunlight darkens, sweet birdsong silenced. Crown of marjoram, bouquet of rosebay. Mermaid floating, mermaid drowning. Clouds cross the sun, wind whispers and sighs. Crown of sweetbrier, bouquet of tulip. Mermaid floating, mermaid drowning. At the Water's Edge is featured in my collection Heading for the Hills published by Stairwell Books.

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