Curious how you can stay connected with the craft of writing beyond Write the World? Merel van der Knoop (UK, age 43) is a passionate writer who we had the pleasure of interviewing to learn more about her work. This inspiring poet attends writing groups at her local library, submits to poetry competitions, and takes inspiration from her surroundings to grow as a writer. Learn more about her story and read her writing below!
Can you tell us a little bit about your writing?
Over the last couple of years writing has become really important to me. I never felt like I had anything to write about nor did I feel comfortable enough to write my ideas and thoughts down. I didn’t think they had much value. However, through inspirational prompts from Write the World as well as attending online writing sessions I found unexpected joy in my writing. I especially love the process of writing poetry because to me it feels similar to learning a piece of music or creating a drawing or painting. I start with a basic layout (whatever comes up in my mind I write down) and then I begin to shape it. Adding on and rubbing away. It’s like a constant ebb and flow. As if I am dancing with words.
Have you got anything exciting coming up?
I am excited about my poems being shared on Write the World Social Media. It means a lot to me that my poems are being recognised in this way. Apart from this, I am curious to see what the result will be of a poetry competition I have recently entered and I am looking forward to restart attending a Monday morning writing group in my local library. We write for 20 minutes and then we share our stories. It is incredibly inspiring.
What have you been up to outside of Write the World?
Unfortunately not a lot as I have had a big health set back recently and have been both hospital and housebound for quite some time. However, this has allowed me to closely observe both my surroundings, a garden that’s in full bloom for example, as well as my own feelings which I translated into poems, stories and drawings.
Do you have any book recommendations?
Currently, I am reading The Skylark’s Secret by Fiona Valpy. I saw this book in a charity shop and it looked interesting so I bought it. I started reading it not long after and from the very first page I have been mesmerised by the beauty and care with which scenes and settings are being described. The language is poetic which makes me feel I am part of the setting. As if I have stepped into the scene and am experiencing it in real life. One of my favourite sentences is: ‘Higher still, when we run out of songs of our own, a lark bursts from the cover of the yellow-flowered gorse, soaring like a tiny skyrocket into the blue above us. Against the silence, its song seems to hang, suspended, each note cut with perfect clarity, creating a necklace of sound’.
Blackberry Bush
On a winding path to a clearer mind
It’s the luscious blackberry bush I find.
With it’s prickly canes it stands there proud,
While birds overhead sing melodious and loud.
Their soulful song is that of the Summer’s sun,
And asking cumulus clouds for rain to come.
Since for the blackberry bush to grow and thrive,
It will need to bathe in every shade of life.
The gentle caress of welcoming warm air,
Will allow for a sweet and juicy love affair.
While heavy drops of a mighty midday shower,
Will give it’s growth a chance to empower.
It’s only then the blackberry bush can rise to full glory,
And generously offer to the world it’s succulent story.
Therefor, when I feel lost on this peculiar path I am on,
It’ll be the mystical memory of the blackberry bush I shall call upon.
Can’t you see?
Can’t you see?
My greatest foe is me.
Circling round me like I’m prey,
Every single second of the day.
Although tirelessly I try to flee it,
This callous creature lures me back as it seems fit.
One tentative step towards a safer space,
And it’s right there, menacingly grinning in my fearsome face.
Pushing and pulling me into where I belong:
Perpetual imprisonment in life’s arduous song.
No matter how loud and furiously I scream.
No matter how vivid and longingly of freedom I dream.
This manipulative monster will always be there,
With it’s flaming red eyes giving me a lethal stare.
Piercing right through me, body and soul,
Destroying what’s left of my inner call.
Can’t you see?
My greatest foe is me.