This Monday sees poet Jon Stainsby chosen for the second time, with his piece Words awarded Poem of the Week. Our congratulations to Jon, who is another of our contributors living outside the UK, and our thanks to him for his responses to our Q&A.

What got you into writing poetry?
A long time ago in the 1970s, I was listening to Marc Bolan and his group of the sixties, Tyrannosaurus Rex. He was writing songs and poetry of a Tolkeinesque fantasy world.  I was inspired, and started to write.  That's how it all started, I think. :)  
School and university got me into ever more poets and poems.  These spurred me on to write, and influenced me in my writing.
 

How long have you been writing?
Since the late 70s when I was 16/17.  I started at school and published my own little pamphlet of poetry while I was in sixth form.   I have been writing on and off since then, and really started again fully last year.
 

Do you go to any open-mic nights?
I haven't plucked up the courage to do this, yet.  I would like to do it, though.
 

What’s your favourite poet/poem?
I have no particular favourite poets.  Whoever crosses my path, really.   I love 'Do not go gentle into that good night' by Dylan Thomas, at the moment.  It inspires me to continue writing and to express myself.  
I read the poems on WOL every day and love it.  It is so wonderful to read,  feel and mull over the emotions and thoughts of so many people.   The support and encouragement of the poets on WOL is so wonderful and inspiring.

You're cast away on a desert island. What's your luxury?
My loves are music and words so, anything that allows me to enjoy both of these.

Words
by Jon Stainsby

Once upon a time
we stumbled on words
 
Creation, mutation,
incomplete, never ending
 
They trip off your tongue
get caught in your throat
 
Lost in your memory
then, rekindled again.
 
Words full of colour
and monochrome, too
 
Words fill your belly
and empty your heart
 
Words knock you dead
make you feel alive
 
Raise you to the stars
and back down to earth
 
Words to a song
make your spirit soar
 
Words can be holy
and blasphemy, too
 
Words can be clear
but also misunderstood
 
A poem's phrase
makes you feel so raw
 
The sight of words
The sound of words
 
The wisdom of words
The naivety of words
 
The never ending story of words