Mike

Haven’t posted here before, because my main publishing output (grand word for the trickle I produce) is for children. However, in recent years I have had a fair bit of success having had poems in Key Stage 2 publications in China, Germany and the UK – and Ireland soon. I’ve also been published in a few anthologies, which you can read about in an interview with me at ‘Poetry Zone’ http://poetryzone.woodshed.co.uk/johnson1.htm.

According to the ALCS, my poems have been used in many countries, including Finland, Canada and New Zealand – I’m global!

I’ve won a couple of competitions, including the one I mention on this YOU TUBE broadcast http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBAwx-K8pLY.

I should also mention, here, that Corsham Poetry Society is playing host to the wonderful Rosemary Dun (OU CW tutor) on 12.2.13 7.30 at the Pound Arts Centre, Corsham – all welcome (only £2.00). Readings from the floor, too.

I also got published in The Times a couple of years ago. Poem follows. Enjoy!

INVISIBLE BOY

Invisibility potions take
time to prepare.
When he looked in his mirror…
‘Yes! I’m not there.’

He pulled off his pyjamas.
‘Now my fun can begin.’
Ran straight to his school,
in invisible skin.

Once in the playground,
tripped up his worst enemy;
knocked a drink from the hand
of ‘teacher’s pet’ Naomi.

A bully he hated
got shoved hard, in the back.
Our invisible hero threw
balls – landed, ‘Thwack!’

All this time (with no clothes on),
he’d grown colder and colder,
but this merely made his plans
bolder and bolder.

Marched into assembly,
stood beside the Headmaster
(so thin is that line
between triumph and disaster).

The Head, with composure,
gave one polite cough.
Invisibility potions
can quickly wear off…

Mike Johnson