I grew up in a bookless house - my parents didn't read poetry, so if I hadn't had the chance to experience it at school I'd never have experienced it. But I loved English, and I was very lucky in that I had inspirational English teachers, Miss Scriven and Mr. Walker, and they liked us to learn poems by heart, which I found I loved doing.

Christmas is taken very seriously in this household. I believe in Father Christmas and there's no way I'd do anything to undermine that belief.

Poets sing our human music for us.

Poetry and prayer are very similar.

I think the dangers are different now. Our abuse of the planet and our resources is an anxiety.

You have me like a drawing, erased, coloured in, untitled, signed by your tongue.

I am always pleased to be asked to write a poem.