I’ve written poetry for as long as I can remember, but only plucked up the courage to ‘go public’ in 2009. I write about the things I see and think about while I’m riding my bike or walking the dog around my home in Sussex. Nothing very profound, but I have fun writing them.
Although my poetry is strictly a labour of love, I’m lucky enough to use words to earn a living, too. I’ve been a freelance copywriter since 1999 , working with various ad agencies and my own direct clients across the south of England and beyond. My first book, Mindful Thoughts for Cyclists, was published in the UK and US by Leaping Hare Press in 2017.
My work is yours to enjoy absolutely free, but if you share it with others, please let ’em know where you found it. Thanks for reading.
Gonecycling (again) 
Hi there – I finally figured out how to add you to my blogroll ! 🙂 Hope you are well. Chloe
I am looking forward to reading more.
I have put up a link to your site on my home page and subsribed to your blog with a view to doing just that. 🙂
Thank you, David – great to have you on board!
I’m settling in for a good read 🙂 Just thought I’d let you know that you can add a link behind your name for when you leave comments so that blog writers can find you? I think it’s in settings or something… but a fellow Sussex writer? That is lovely. Hopefully I’ll see you at one of the open mics one night? Haha.
Thanks for the tip – I’ll investigate right now. I’m just up the road from you in Uckfield, so I’ll definitely get over to your open mic as soon as I can. Wonderful to hear from you; I really love your work.
So pleased I came across this blog…really nice to meet you..Eliza Keating
Hi Eliza – great to see you! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment; I shall return the favour at once!
Hi….happy to have found you through Iz. Your poems are just my cup of tea! Brilliant 🙂
Hope you don’t mind if I put you on my blogroll.
Best wishes
Linda Vincent
Hi Linda – many thanks for taking the time to visit. And of course, I’m delighted to appear on your blogroll – thank you!
Hi blogpal, just to let you know, I’ve put a link to your blog on my page called “My Blogging Friends” 😀
Hope you’re having a good weekend,
Chloe xx
Hey BP, thank you – that’s very sweet of you. I’ll return the favour!
That’s great – thank you! 😀 xx
Hi Nick
I have something for you
http://inaweblogisback.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/the-jennifer-avventura-appreciation-award/
That’s wonderful – thank you so much!
Those parasol mushrooms! Lepiota procera… deliciously edible. I’m so jealous! I know how to cook them so they come out with the texture of puff pastry.
Nick:
Ethel and I have nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award. You’ll have to go to fourwindowspress if you don’t know about it, and if you follow the instructions you’re a winner. We are mainly trying to let you know how much we honor you and your work, so you may or may not chose to accept the award. That’s up to you, but we certainly think you are worthy of more than this one gesture of thanks for you and your poetry.
Nick,
I commented on your “Letting Go” poem and put a PS saying I made a mess of nominating you for The One Lovely Blog Award and consider yourself nominated.
However I was extremely dissatisfied with this feeble attempt so I enlisted the assistance of my walking, talking computer manual (my youngest offspring!) and she painstakingly gave me a practical demonstration followed by written instructions which I duly followed. Consequently I produced a not too bad post relating to awards where you are finally mentioned, so please go and have a look at my latest post where you are mentioned and of which I am extremely proud!!!! LOL 🙂
Christine xx
That’s wonderful, Christine – thank you so much. Of course, you do realise this means I have to wrestle with the same technical conundrum; I’m a person who uses a computer to live, not the other way round, so I have no idea how to pass it on! Perhaps you could send my your daughter’s instructions, which are obviously clear and effective! N.xx
Are you joking or do you want those instructions?! I will definitely send them to you if you would like me to. They are written for a child’s brain!!! LOL 🙂
Christine x
My usual fount-of-all-knowledge for everything pertaining to the modern world (my 10-year-old daughter) is at school, so I’ve had to work it out myself, but – cue small trumpet fanfare – I think I’ve worked it out! I think I’ll give myself the afternoon off as a reward…
Thank you again! N.xx
I’ve given it a new page all to itself…do go and have a look.
Hi Nick – Thomas Davis sent me over here to check out your sonnets; I’ve just written my first one and am pleased with it, but would like to study yours, as he speaks of them so highly. I have the utmost respect for Thomas, so here I am, lol. I’m following you and adding you to my blog roll so that I (and others) can find you easily. Loving what I’ve read so far, and will definitely be returning again and again! ~ Julie 🙂
Nick, this is my first visit, after several mentions from my hero Thomas Davis, who says you’re the sonnet man. Julie and I are new-found bosom buddies, so I think I’ll follow her lead and “follow” you. I’ve only a done a few sonnets–they’re not bad, and I enjoyed writing them. Wishing you all the best–God bless you abundantly.
Thomas is my hero too – he’s a great source of inspiration and encouragement. Writing sonnets is pretty new to me, really, but I’m having a great time learning the craft! Thanks so much for your visit. N.
Nick, if you would like to send me your address I will forward you a copy of my poetry book which is now at the printers. I have done it myself, couldn’t be bothered with publishers etc!! Lol
I am giving a copy to all my “special” friends who I have met on here who have given me such encouragement. I would never have dared to do it without you all 🙂 it will be a couple of weeks or so yet but I am gathering addresses ready :). Xx
Nice stuff. In return, here’s a winter cycling ditty for you;
It’s Winter when…
The oil on the chain is like treacle
The grease in the axle’s like tar
The grit in the crank feels like concrete
And you know that you won’t get very far.
Greetings. I also love cycling, walking and writing and combining the three 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your work.
I do hope you don’t mind (and that it won’t be classed as ‘pinching’), but I read ‘I am one acquainted…’ at a funeral recently. Stan was a passionate cyclist all his life, until alzheimers sadly robbed him of his sense of direction.
The family thought it was beautiful, so I have directed them back to your blog as the author.
Sussex is beautiful – I have fond memories of Lewes and Brighton just over a year ago. I imagine both would be perfect places for poetic reflection.
Hey, mike, thanks for dropping in. Yes, I’m very fortunate to live and work here; although I live in town, I’m a country lad at heart and do most of my writing and reflecting on bike-rides and dog-walks. Shame about having to work for a living! Nick
HI!
Hi Nick, Sorry to hear about your aching joints. I wanted to let you know that I bought your book Mindful Thoughts for Cyclists, and it brought a tear to my eye. I so rarely come across people who ride for the simple joys of it, which sometimes makes me sad! Please feel free to check out my blog. Clare
Hi Clare. Thank you so much for your comment; made me well up a little, too! I’ve had a look at your blog and I’m struck by the similarities in our experiences. As you’ll have read in the book, I was a high-mileage roadie for many years, until my knee packed up when I was 40 (almost nine years ago now). My current rides are a Merida cross bike with discs and 35mm Marathons; a Ridgeback rigid 29er with slicks and a Shimano Zee 1×10 set-up; and, as of today – well, all will be revealed very soon! I also notice that I’m not a million miles from you (I’m in East Sussex) and used to ride with a bunch of guys from south London, so know the area: maybe I’ll join you on an adventure one of these days – if I’m feeling brave enough, that is! Thanks again, and keep in touch. Nick.
Thanks for replying! I am off to do the Gorge de Verdon next week, which I am quite excited about. It seems like a lot of ascent in one day, but there is no alternative once you are on the loop! I am also about to buy a new bike, with more adventurous credentials (I currently ride a Specialized Dolce Comp with a few adaptions). I am trying to find more people who like to ‘just ride’ and also enjoy incorporating a bit of off-road into the route. It would be great to meet up at some stage. I do occasionally venture to your part of Sussex, so will let you know when I am riding out your way. Clare
Thank you for making your poems available. I read one as part of eulogies at the funeral of my stepmother, a courageousa lady of 99 – cycling had always been a core part of het life. It was much appreciated by our family. So, thank you.
Sylvia
Thank you so much, Sylvia: I am honoured and humbled. Sincere condolences on your loss. I still harbour ambitions to be a courageous cyclist at 99: three of my grandparents lived well into their nineties so I am hoping genetics are on my side (although my arthritic knees may have other ideas!) And thank you too for the encouragement. I shall keep writing and posting bits and pieces as long as there are people out there who want to read them – and it is nice to know they exist! Nick.
Thanks for your reply, I shall keep reading. (Sorry about typos.) Sylvia
Hi there, I stumbled across your blog a couple of months ago and have thoroughly enjoyed your poems. My partner and I both love cycling and spent much of the last year’s lockdowns cycling from our home in Sheffield into the peak district. My partner is a medieval archaeologist and our cycles would regularly incorporate stops at old churches along the way. We particularly love your poem ‘A long road’ and plan to have it read at our wedding next month. Just wanted to say thank you so much for your wonderful words and keep up the good work. Jenny