Patricia M Osborne

I’m delighted to feature Kate Rose on Patricia’s Pen. Kate has recently published her debut poetry collection, Brushstrokes. Without further ado, it’s over to Kate.

My Writing

Kate Rose

Not long ago I came across a small red hardbacked notebook amongst my late dad’s possessions. On opening the book, I found poems handwritten by me when I was about eight years old.  I was intrigued by the subjects, the power of the natural world, friendship, loneliness, and I wondered at the strength of such feelings in one so young. I cannot relate to my childhood self, yet through these poems, I found a connection that is universal to all humans. I marvel in what was started then is part of who I am now.

I often think I came to writing poetry late in life. Yet through this find, and a number of other false starts, I realise that the desire has always been there. I think it needed time to mature and the freedom to explore various themes without the hindrance of a day-job. I am lucky. I have that freedom; but I have spent years in a kind of wilderness, not being able to release my creativity.  Scratching words on old envelopes, or day-diaries. Yet something in me made me keep these writings.

Even now I have days when I cannot write.  I try to give myself time, somewhere quiet, to read other poets, familiar, household names, contemporary, unknown. Anything I can lay my hands on. I find reading helps me to discover my flow of thoughts and ideas.

I take my inspiration from my surroundings. I am fascinated by the changes in seasons in this part of south west France, where I live quietly in an old French farmhouse. Nature, both the natural world and human nature, has a fascination for me, and most of my poems are based around how one reflects on another.

My new project is around the theme of light. I am intrigued by it, the changes through the day, the months, its impact on mood, the way it is portrayed in literature and spiritualty. And so on!  I hope to start this new endeavour in the autumn. Initially with lots of reading, no doubt chasing different ideas around the theme.  For me this is an adventure and exploration, I don’t know where it will take me, but I am looking forward to all kinds of explosions, revelations, and new ideas to inform my poetry.

I am always looking for poets to work with. I take much inspiration from sharing ideas and thoughts. If you are reading this far, and would like to chat informally about poetry, writing poetry, writing poetry together, then please get in touch.

About Kate Rose

Kate Rose is a poet, author and festival organiser working from her home in the Creuse, France. Her collection, Brushstrokes, was published by Mosaique press in May 2022. Her work has been published in a range of anthologies and on-line publications. Her poetry has been translated into Italian and Romanian, in collaboration with students and staff at Salerno University and West University of Timisoara. She co-hosts poetry@treignac, an annual poetry festival in the Correze, France.

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Email: katerosepoetry@gmail.com