Ink Sweat & Tears

07/09/2025

In Jan Swann's poem, 'Ladybird, Ladybird', Swann's speaker addresses not just the Ladybird but also the desire to wish one's problems away.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/jan-swann/ or via the link in bio to our homepage.

06/09/2025

In Gwen Sayers', 'Her Funeral', we are taken with the speaker and allowed to experience grief, loss, and the natural world with them in real time.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/40483-2/

05/09/2025

Winner of the Hedgehog Press first pamphlet competition in 2023, Quentin Cowdry's 'Close-Up' is a 'carefully structured' collection that is built on 'built on close observation of the world, of nature and human experience, and how we relate to and respond to it.'

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/chris-hardy-on-quentin-cowdry/

05/09/2025

In 'Sonnet', Dave Wynne-Jones' speaker maps out a journey of heartbreak and a possible response.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/dave-wynne-jones-2/

04/09/2025

In 'Bringing Pilates to Attention', Simon Maddrell highlights the development of Pilates while exploring the idea of correction and repair.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/simon-maddrell-2/

03/09/2025

In 'Save Me', Tom Kelly charts the intersection of faith, belief, coming of age and suffering.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/tom-kelly-5/

02/09/2025

In 'Slow Worm', Nick McGaughey's speaker takes a moment to contemplate the beauty of nature's 'intrusions' on his daily life.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/nick-mcgaughey/

01/09/2025

Poetry today from the 2025/2025 UEA Creative Writing Poetry MA Scholars – Grace Phillips and On Zi Rui. Breaking down break-ups at https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/grace-phillips-on-zi-rui/

You bought peppermint and bubbles,
monologued in the corner.
You barely looked at me twice.
– Grace Phillips

I looked at the neon lights
Gazing, I asked myself :
“What am I sourcing for now that I am without you ?”
– On Zi Rui

31/08/2025

Hear Paul Chuks read his winning poem 'Reimagination of Gravity' on the site now. Do check it out. It's brilliant! https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/july-2025-pick-of-the-month/

'This poem was as unexpected as a story plot! I loved it.'

Huge congratulations to Paul Chuks whose poem 'Reimagination of Gravity' is the for July 2025. To revisit the poem & for more voters' comments go to https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/july-2025-pick-of-the-month/

31/08/2025

In, 'The Day We Got the News', Cath Holland tracks a couple after receiving important news. Touching on themes of loss, grief, and relationships, this flash piece has some real fire.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/cath-holland/

30/08/2025

In 'In the Mood for Love', Jade Prince explores love, longing and loss, using strong imagery and clever construction which make the poem resonate long after it has finished.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/jade-prince-2/

29/08/2025

in 'Ripening', Esha Volvoikar orbits around language, heritage and the moon with strong imagery, for delightful effect.

Read it here: https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/esha-volvoikar/