Brand New Poetry – Cleverly Woven Words

Writing is more than just a hobby. It is a lifestyle.

Guest Post

This week I am excited to share the poetry of an up-and-coming writer/ performer. I first heard about him on Davina McCall’s podcast – Making The Cut – which I have previously reviewed here.

In my opinion, Jacob Dolley’s words have meaning and resonance. I can tell that he speaks from his own experiences and shows empathy as well as encouragement in his work. It is great to see a new poet emerge onto the scene, starting with high praise from Davina and Michael, whose recommendations are always brilliant.

Brief Bio

My name is Jacob Dolley (18 years old)

I started writing poetry in lockdown when I was at my lowest with depression.
Poetry for me was a release and an escape from the outside world, but as my mental health has got much better and I’m feeling happier, my poetry has expanded into something more positive that I want to share with the world.
I want to inspire young people that there is 100% light at the end of the tunnel and that bad things don’t last forever.
I’m highly ambitious and have my eyes set on becoming a published writer (writing poetry).
I perform spoken word and spoken poetry, so a huge goal for me is to work with Charities and brands, using my poetry to spread the awareness of mental health.
I’ve been featured on Davina McCall’s podcast, as well as being a guest on ‘The Show Love’ podcast.
You can find me on Instagram @lightningpoems and TikTok (@lightningpoems).

Jacob’s Poem:

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Treasure Your Smile

If you’ve forgotten what happiness is,
Let me run around your mind and jog your memory.
It’s little love songs and piano ballad melodies.
It’s warm hugs and rich kiss remedies.
Treasure your smile,
It’s your most beautiful accessory.

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Jacob’s words:

Thank you very much,
This is my first time being mentioned in a blog so I’m very honoured!!
I’m based down in Tunbridge Wells (Kent) and perform at the venue ‘The Forum’ every month through ‘WordUp’ at an open mic poetry night if you ever wanted to come down.

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Massive thanks to Jacob for sharing one of his poems and introducing himself to our lovely blogging community. Please give him a follow and check out his videos, as well as dropping a comment below this to show support.

Being Watched – My New Book

The story starts with a bike ride. This is the only picture I could find.

This is a small excerpt from my forthcoming YA mystery book. I hope you like it. I am nervous and excited at the same time. I was keen to get into the YA genre as I enjoy reading YA stories a lot. Inspired by a range of authors, I decided to try my hand at something mysterious but still grounded in genuine drama.

I simply couldn’t look her in the eye. I shied away from her gaze as I tugged her up from beneath the scratchy hedge that had protected our falls. With a cut lip and some already visible bruises, I was feeling worse for wear. She had a bump on her cheek and a few grazes, but seemed to have come off better than I had. It was difficult to get back to reality and regain our focuses after such a traumatic event. Glancing back over my shoulder, I could see the house looking almost unchanged. It seemed to stand more erect than before apart from the shattered windows of the conservatory and the door that was hanging off its hinges. It blew in the wind and banged loudly every second or two. It’s rhythm was awkward and seemed to resonate within my chest. She looked at me and caught my eye. We had survived something that only we could ever understand. Nobody would even believe us if we told them. It all started that day when I suggested we look for her stupid blue scarf. But it was not her fault. Far from it. It needed to come about in this way. I can remember everything right from when we got together that morning to cycle into the woods.

 

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Chapter One

 

It was quite a sunny day and we were enjoying a ride over to the neighbouring town where we wanted to get some new trainers. Mum had given me some cash, with strict instructions to get ones that would last a long time rather than just ones that looked good out and about on the streets. She had reminded me that training shoes were for exercise and fitness and not just for showing others how much money I could waste. I was not as bothered about looks as she thought, but I did want to make sure that I got my favourite brand. Siobhan, however, was also interested in checking out a new shop which apparently everyone was talking about. By everyone, she must have meant her girly friends, as I knew nothing about it. It was one of those new shops that sold stuff at a reduced rate from outlets that belonged to big chains and she had her hopes set on buying cheap trainers and still having enough money left for a brand new pair of cut price designer jeans. I suppose we both had brands that we liked and so we had a similar reason for going to town that day. We just had not planned on getting interrupted. By interrupted, I mean starting a sequence of events that would lead to us being swept into a bush, grazed and washed out, lucky to still be in one piece. But that was all yet to come months later.

Blurred Skies

The rain is again falling,

Mixing up most of May.

The summer is coming,

With a much different sway.

As Earth’s climates change,

The weather is less sweet.

Can’t distinguish the seasons,

They don’t present quite so sweet.

Blurring the lines

And gathering new storms,

Making me wonder

What future it dawns.

Give us a chance to refresh out mindset,

Not live with this impact,

With nothing but regret.

Let’s change how we do things,

And consider how we move,

Take trains, buses or bicycles,

And get into a new groove.

Help build us a future

Of conservation and bliss,

We can forge a new attitude,

No longer taking the…..