National Poetry Day was founded in 1994 by the Forward Arts Foundation charity and promotes the enjoyment of poetry for all. 

We asked Keith to tell us a bit more about his poetry and what inspires his writing.

How did you start writing poetry?

I can remember our teacher reading poetry when I was in junior school. One day I attempted writing a poem, the teacher then made me read it out to the class and I thought 'Aye I've found something I'm good at'.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

The mood or situation I'm in or going through - sometimes, I go back in my memory, remember things, and then put my thoughts into words.

Who are your favourite writers?

The Bronte sisters have always inspired me to write. When I read any of their poems I can feel that I'm there in the times when they were alive. Every word written must have come from their hearts. Wordsworth was also a favourite of mine.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to try writing poetry?

Take your time before putting things on paper. Do a little research on your subject. Jot words and sentences down then, slowly but surely, your poem will take shape. Never be afraid to change words if you think another word sounds or fits better than the original.

Do you write anything else?

From time to time I write stories for both adults and children.

COVID Will we surrender? NEVER

It's a part of our lives that we'll never forget, it will stay in our memory we know, but yet it brought us together, our unity strong, we knew who we were and where we belonged.

It would have been easy to give up the fight, to draw the curtains and put out the light, but that's surrender, we couldn't do this, what? throw in the towel, no we gave that a miss

We batten the hatches with a positive mind, we wouldn't be beaten, no, we're not that kind.

Our communication stayed open, we were not alone, we knew if we weakened we could pick up the phone.

It was nothing new, we'd seen it before, hadn't we lived and survived through a war?

Oh yes, there were days when we felt insecure and maybe we wanted a knock on the door but that thought soon faded, our heads, we held high, we'd never give up nor we'd lay down and die.

Our strength came from unity, all for one, one for all, we'd face it together what ‘ere may befall.

It was at that time when our strength was renewed, it hadn't a chance when we were in that mood.

We're winning the battle, for we knew that we would, no need to panic, for all will come good.

We're proud of our efforts for why shouldn't we? For we're on our way now to victory.

But we're all being cautious, we're still watching out, this virus is evil, and it's still about. So, take our advice and still follow the rules, don't drop your guard and get caught like the fools. For the future's in your hands, don't follow like sheep. For you're not quite ready for the long, long sleep.