Poetry
I’ve been writing poetry since I was a teenager and received my Master’s in Poetry from Edinburgh University. I love getting on stage and reading for audiences and have been on stage at Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe festivals.
Below are some of my major collections, works in progress, and links to some of my published work.
I Once Was Griot
In my most recent collection I’m exploring history through voice - what it means to have found ‘my voice’, the power of the voices that came before, and how I can use my voice and the gifts I’ve been giving to say something of value to help other.
Many cultures believe that poets are teachers – griot, druid, shaman, bard, etc. My work is my journal, reflecting my experiences and the people and situations around me that affect and teach me. It is my hope that by opening it up and putting it out into the world it will reach someone else and help them on their journey.
The title piece, “I once was griot” I got to perform at Glastonbury Festival 2025. The experience was out of this world. You can see it and more performances on my YouTube page.
MEN
My first pamplet, ‘MEN’, was published in 2023.
I believe that as men we have a responsibility to do the work to examine and dismantle toxic masculinity. This collection "MEN" is an examination of my experiences of masculinity, both good and bad. I identify as a gay black cis-gender man with disabilities. The intersection of family, faith, race, chosen family, romantic relationships, and society have had a profound effect on my understanding of what it means to “be a man”. These poems explore that interplay through the lens of the men who have affected my life the most on my journey to self-discovery. And, hopefully, an exploration of what it means to begin integrating all the parts of myself to help me continue growing to be a better man.
My first ever performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre was with I Am Loud and I was able to read pieces from MEN. It was a wonderful feeling and a huge first step getting to share my work with others.
Want to see more?
You can see more of my performances on my YouTube Channel.
Also, check out the links to my online published works.
Autumn Saga
The Autumn Saga is one of my very first collections. It started with Alphonse Mucha - staring at the majestic and ethereal portrayal of women in his art. I started to wonder who were the real women whose faces and bodies were being immortalised. What evolved was the story of a young girl, “Autumn”, whose family immigrated to the UK and the feelings of isolation that daily cultural clashes lead to. It’s the story of a young woman who loves flowers, hyacinths in particular, looking for agency in world that only sees her as a fetishistic object. I hoped, in some small way, to give a story and voice to the women who were forgotten by history, even as their likenesses endure as inspiring works of art.
Unhappy Sonnets
I’m taking back the sonnet! Well, it was never really mine. But, it’s a form that is traditionally associated with love and high-minded ruminations on the universe. But, what if it didn’t have to be? My unhappy sonnets explore many of the less-than-wonderful experiences of life that deserve just as much care and craft as anything else. Come see my wicked world of Unhappy Sonnets!