Here are three of my poems which were included in an event at Ilkley Literature Festival. The poems are introduced by poet Andy Humphrey and read by poets Rose Drew, Lizzi Linklater and Alan Gillott.

Three Poems by Gillian Byrom-Smith Featured at Ilkley Literature Festival

My poem In Your Footsteps taken from my second poetry collection Heart of the Wood and inspired by visiting Elgar's homes and final resting place in Great Malvern.

In Your Footsteps

Here is a poem from my collect Heart of the Wood. The Stars Remain is from the Isolation section of the book and I hope it is uplifting.

The Stars Remain

My poem Your Cold Hand is taken from my poetry collection Heart of the Wood.

Your Cold Hand

My poem The Sun Shone is taken from my collection The Heart of the Wood. It is for all those left behind.

The Sun Shone

Songs of Love and Death comprise of 'At the Water's Edge' and 'Star-Crossed.' Both songs are based on my poems and put to music by Peter Byrom-Smith. 'At the Water's Edge' was inspired by  the death of Ophelia, whilst 'Star-Crossed,' is the story of Romeo and Juliet. They are performed by the wonderful Ana Beard Fernandez, whose lovely voice adds an ethereal quality to my words.

Songs Of Love And Death

My poem 'Poppies of the Field,' was inspired by a local project to remember neighbours lost in the First World War. It was spoken by Poppy Morgan at the Poppy Road Poppy Project dedication ceremony; a very moving event for all those involved.

Poppies Of The Field

Here I am reading my poem Kingfisher at the launch of the wonderful book Fruitful Futures in Manchester.

Kingfisher Live

Here is one of my new poems, written and inspired by our recent move to the Peak District.

Roots

Here is a poem from my new collection and written since our move to the inspirational Peak District.

Hill

I write poetry, some of which my husband Peter has set to music, short stories, have just finished a novel and an opera. My poetry collection 'Heading for the Hills,' is published by Stairwell Books. The Three Songs have been performed on many occasions and have been included in several festivals.

Gillian Byrom-Smith

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