17 June 2006

All change - three poems accepted by New Welsh Review, my best credit to date: 'The Accident', 'Handicap' and 'Exam Conditions'.

Moving into 17c bakehouse on 29th July. Oak beams, wooden floors, courtyard. Cheques payable to One Caring World.

Trip to Portsmouth last weekend. Sat on pebbly shore. Carrie a waterbaby, her head receding from and nearing me. Agora - Turkish food, waitress with tattoo on small of her back, Fist Full of Tacos tequila. Sense of increasing stamina. Phoned Amanda midweek, exhausted on the balcony.

Teaching Russian students. Liza takes photos, too sweet to be an ex-biker. Miroslava a perfectionist poet, painter, ceramic-sculptor, Igor a musician, sketcher. World Cup weather, watched football round Alex's friend's house, projected onto wall.

Saw Gerard and Tim read. Curry at the Eastern Eye. Workshop with Harry. Recommended Blue Velvet to him.

Watched cricket today on green. Ball slipped past my hand. When I threw it it was lighter than I remembered, softer. 'Come on, Timmo!' encouraged his teammates dressed white in the sun.

Teaching in Preston in August for three weeks. Finished Ackroyd's Eliot.