The hardest decision I’ve ever had to make is one I’ve had to do a number of times during my adult life. and it’s never gotten any easy to be fair.

It’s the heartbreaking decision to let go of one of the many feline companions go to rainbow bridge. It doesn’t mater if I’ve had them 19 years or 19 months, it hurts. In fact one of my last (rescue) cats passed away shortly after we gave him a forever home, his death still stings like fuck now. It’s hard to type through tears. He took care of his younger sibling on the streets, she came with him, and had really come out of her shell.

I’ve made some hard calls in life and in my work, I’ve dealt with death and all that goes with it. but that’s the one call I hate.

I’d use that extra time to get all those things I’ve been putting off done. I’m that bad I could procrastinate about procrastination.

Firstly I’d finish my ever growing reading pile (currently 8-10 books) as there’s so many graphic novels that I need to start or just finish reading.

Secondly I’d use the time to get some more poetry written and edited, maybe start editing a book I’ve been writing for ten years, and nudge it over the finish line.

Finally I’d practice my chess game and try to improve on my ELO (standing) while taking regular breaks to watch all the box sets I’ve added to my list with the attitude of, I’ll get round to that when I’ve finished this one.

I’d also just go out and walk about at night while the world slumbers. It’s so peaceful and quiet, and not many people about.

Aside from the obvious answers of my wife, cat or kids etc.

I’d like to say that currently my favourite people are my peers and fellow poets that I’ve been lucky enough to work with this year. It’s been a hectic year, but I’ve made a whole bunch of friends in the process.

This is a really easy one for me. (Felis catus)

It’s cats without a shadow of a doubt, they’re the perfect companion for me. They’re not needy and I don’t have to walk them. I’ve nothing against walking, it’s just that everyone wants to stop you and talk if you have a dog. I’m not a social creature.

Cats are hard work emotionally as you have to earn their respect and they go out and walk themselves, sometimes bringing (half eaten) presents to plonk on your bare foot that’s hanging outside the duvet at 0230hrs. Does it show that I’m talking from experience?

They’re adorable…

The only downside side is that when you lose one, it hurts like hell.

Side note.

My Spirit Animals (or honourable mention) are Pheasants. They aren’t the brightest, can’t really fly, but they try to anyway, and look fabulous too.

I think we should all try to embrace our inner Pheasant. So let’s look fabulous and try doing that thing. You know, the one you’ve always been putting off.

If it doesn’t work you’re still fabulous!

Stay safe x

There’s so many figures from history I’d love to meet. So narrowing it down to just one person is particularly hard. That being said, I think I would have to go with Albert Einstein

The reason I have chosen him is that as someone who’s worked in science roles and has a love of quantum mechanics or theoretical physics. I’d love to just sit and discuss with him, the fact that his work has influenced so many lives and technological developments such as GPS, or his Nobel prize for photoelectric effect in 1921.

I tend to listen to my instincts, but sometimes I need a little help. At which point I reach for my oldest (20 yrs) and most trusted deck of tarot cards.

While I do trust my instincts i usually find my cards will agree with my gut. The real trick is listening to your body and going with it.

I love October as it’s the best of the Wiccan Sabbats or holidays.

Yes I’m talking about Samhain or Halloween.

It’s the one holiday where the veil between living and dead is thinest and we remember those loved ones we’ve lost.

It’s also a great time to dress up and have a little fun before the nights really draw in and the cold winter days and nights set it.

Excerpt from “The Night the Dead Walk”

(Exclusive to Dark poets and buy me a coffee)

They told you Halloween was candy and costumes
cartoon witches, plastic masks, porch lights.
They lied.
This is Samhain, the true night.

Longmarsh is a beautiful spot by the river Dart in my hometown.

That I’m not an angry bald tattooed thug.