Sarah James

Sarah James is a prize-winning poet, short story writer and journalist, who has been widely published on the web, in anthologies and literary journals.

She was shortlisted in Templar Poetry 2009 Pamphlet and Collection Competition and had two poems shortlisted in The Plough Prize 2009.

Her first full-length collection Into the Yell is published by Circaidy Gregory Press (www.circaidygregory.co.uk) this July. Sarah's website and blog can be found at
www.sarah-james.co.uk.

The mother of two young sons lives in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, and is very much looking forward to this year's Ledbury Poetry Festival.

Preparing by Sarah James

Preparing

Even the scissors' tail is a ringlet
that curves to the hairdresser's finger.

Snip. Silver glints. Snip.
I sense movement, air swishing.

My curls drop; hit the floor
without a sound.

"Okay?" The stylist stops,
stands back. "When you're ready."

Silence slices her words;
reveals sharp edges.

I look in the mirror, adjust-
then nod.

Clippers buzz: my scalp bared
like the gash of bark scraped from a tree.

I watch fingers flutter around my head-
and wait for the sap to dry.

Sarah James

May winner

Hello everyone,

Many problems for the delay in posting our May winner, it's been a bit busy at Ledbury HQ!

I am delighted to announce that our winner is 'Preparing' by Sarah James.

Many thanks to everyone who entered, it was a tough decision but we hope that you agree with our choice.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

June Theme

We here at Ledbury Poetry Festival HQ are a bit baffled that it's June already... crazy.

So with another month comes another theme. For June our theme is...

'Michael'

Closing date for entries is 1st July 2010 at 10am.

Good luck