When I was knitted in my Mother’s womb
I was interlaced with fabrics of tenacity,
this construction
became interwoven
with determination
as I became a woman
and I’ve sometimes used these threads
to crochet sentences
with the intention to untangle
gender injustices…
As I reflect on the opening lines of ‘Patterns’ – a recent NHS poetry commission, I’m led to contemplate on my journey as a writer over the past fifteen years and the array of influences that have shaped me as a poet.
As I stroll along this path of heartfelt memories I’m taken back to being seventeen years old, sitting at my desk in A Level English Literature class at Cadbury Sixth Form College. I’m taken back to a particular day that would change the direction of my life – the day I became acquainted with the artistic words of Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes. I was captivated by the sincere boldness of his storytelling, alongside his ability to seamlessly blend a range of poetic devices. One of the fundamental aspects that I found greatly compelling about the works of Hughes was the ways he utilised creative writing as a means to advocate for African-Americans, decades before the civil rights movement. This unapologetic use of protest is exemplified in the world renowned poem ‘I, Too’, published in 1926. I further became influenced by other pioneering black writers that I encountered with similar creative dynamics, such as Maya Angelou and Dudley Randall.
Through absorbing the notion that poetry can be used as a tool to convey messages of significance, I went on to write poems that often gave centre stage to oppressed voices. This is most notably captured in the Windrush poem, ‘1954’ – a semi-biographical poem inspired by my grandfather’s emigration from Jamaica to England during the 1950’s.
Growing up in a Jamaican household, I was raised to have a great sense of pride in my cultural heritage. I grew up hearing the rhythmic tones of my parents speaking patois, and the melodies of reggae music being played alongside weekend aromas of Saturday soup and Sunday roast dinner. I remember hearing the poetic lyrics of Bob Marley and being surrounded by paintings and ornaments; reflecting the vitality and fortitude of Jamaica.
As a teenager, I watched my Mum’s life detour into a diagnosis of lupus and kidney failure. I then watched her faithfully wait patiently for a kidney, whilst being on dialysis for seven years. I then thankfully watched her life unfold into new beginnings when she became the recipient of a kidney transplant. Fourteen years later, I then watched her gracefully travel through a five month battle with bile duct cancer. I then saw myself picking up all the fragments of her pain and my pain and turning it into purpose, as in the same year I entered into my role as a Freelance NHS Poet. I have since had the privilege of writing and performing poetry that raises awareness of vital campaigns and services. In the first commission – ‘Reach Out’, the echoes of my grief can be heard throughout the narrative. The request to write a poem on the theme of mental health during a time of personal turbulence resulted in an honest composition. The displaying of these NHS poetry posters across the West Midlands became a powerful catalyst for people to share their own struggles with mental health. This poem also took me to BBC WM Radio, where I’ve discussed my involvement in NHS poetry and the broader impact of commissioned pieces.
The journey of bereavement led me back to Birmingham Hospice; a special place that provided care for my Mum, a place that also walked me though my pain and a place that would become woven into my creative health career. I proudly saw the tribute poem, ‘This One’s for You Mum’ exhibited in their charity shops. It made me smile hearing people pick out their favourite line. For some, they liked the lines that highlighted our sacred bond and some liked hearing about Dorretta’s love for cooking Saturday soup and saltfish fritters. I noticed how the poem also had a way of sparking joyous conversations, whereby people shared beautiful memories about their loved ones.
As I continued on my expedition of turning my pain into purpose, I went on to write a bespoke poem for the café at Birmingham Hospice, entitled ‘Welcome to The Hive.’ “Heartfelt poem captures spirit of The Hive cafe” – Birmingham Hospice
The journey bereavement also led me back to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to provide a poem honouring the compassionate work of chaplaincy staff. ‘The Chaplain’ was professionally transcribed into handwritten calligraphy and permanently displayed on the information desk. It’s been encouraging to know that my work has helped with staff morale. A message from a nurse viewing the poem on her way to the chapel wrote, “your words are always full of meaning and love. I hope that you are well. Keep up the good work.”
In 2023 I had the honour of writing a commissioned poem to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NHS and legacy of the Windrush generation. It was an honour to write a poem that marked the historical magnitude of 1948 – the year that saw the beginnings of the new National Health Service and the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, carrying hundreds of Caribbean passengers.
As someone that has seen the life-changing miracles of the NHS and as someone that is the granddaughter and daughter of Caribbean migrants, I had a deep connection to writing this poem; aptly entitled ‘Grateful.’ It has been an honour to give recognition to those that upheld my Mum, because ‘she had overwhelming gratitude for the many
surgeons, nurses, doctors and the professor
and the regular intervention from her General Practitioner.’
It has also been an honour to give remembrance to Mary Seacole, because ‘her selfless journey from Jamaica to support others in times of adversity
is sewn into the fabric of British history.’
It continues to be an honour to perform this piece at Windrush Day and Black History Month celebrations. This includes events hosted by the Birmingham & Solihull ICS, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
As I continue along this path of creative health, I look forward to continuing to use the power of poetry to ignite conversations, shed light on unspoken topics and bring transformation to everyday spaces.
If you would like view some of the poems mentioned in this article, please visit