A fresh sunrise
A blank white page
Where we as scribes
Record our days

To read the full poem, go to: www.waynevisser.com/poem_life_scribes.htm.

Over recent years, I've given several online "interviews" to people who are interested in my views on poetry. Mostly, these have been questions by school children who have to do an "interview a living, published poet" project. So I thought I'd share some of my answers on my web. Some of the questions I answer include:

* Why do you write poetry?
* How does poetry impact your life?
* What are the qualities to become a poet?
* What first inspired you to write poetry?
* What creates an inspirational environment for the poet?
* Who are your favourite poets?
* What inspired you to use Africa for your poems?
* What is the message of your poem “I am an African”?

My answers are posted at:
www.waynevisser.com/poetry_q&a.htm.

The journeys we plan
The trips we make
The holidays we remember
All are vivid fantasies
Conjured from desire
Unattainable utopias
Wished upon a dream
Sun-picked memories
Pocketed for a rainy day

I've posted the full poem at:
www.waynevisser.com/poem_travel_a_promise_of_new_worlds.htm.

As part of the Cambridge Word Festival, I went to a poetry reading by Wendy Cope. Although I had heard her name and read one or two of her poems before, I was largely unfamiliar with her work. Needless to say, I left the evening a convert, having bought four of her books, which she kindly signed. I also went to a reading by Ben Okri. He is as inspiring and thought-provoking in "real life" as in his poetry and stories. I was delighted to get the chance to meet him and have him sign some of his books as well.

Here is an extract of the poem I wrote, entitled "Wendy Cope: Lasso Poet":

Her famous biting wit
With which she's known to poke
Is wicked when it's writ
But wickeder when spoke

To read the full poem, go to:
www.waynevisser.com/poem_wendy_cope_lasso_poet.htm.