Full Circles

Moments & Movements

Helping..

📆SEPTEMBER

September always feels like a full-circle season. Working part-time in a sixth-form college, I align with the reset that is the academic year. There’s something reassuring about the familiar rhythm—welcoming both new and returning students- the repetition of a script we know well, yet aspire to deliver anew each time.

This summer, too, brought its share of full-circle moments, times when life felt strangely familiar, yet reshaped by growth and change. What follows in this blog are some highlights of late and a few poems by way of an update. As ever, I’m grateful for all that is on my plate.
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🚴CYCLING TRIP

"six croissants et six cafés s'il vous plaît."

I had a real blast from the past cycling through France with some old-school friends—complete with much-needed laughs, long hours outdoors, putting down the apps, and pushing down the pedals. In the future, I’ll share more about this trip and the observations I jotted down at the end of each day. For now, here’s an extract from one I’ll call Boys Pissing Around on Bikes.

I saw a man stride along the street
With two fish on a platter,
Standard behaviour in a port town.

Speaking of standard behaviour,
It would be rude not to start the trip
With coffee and a croissant.

It would be rude not to
Inundate a local boulangerie.

The older gentleman asks where we’re from.
I say, “Bristol / London,” and ask him in return.
He tells me he is local,
And his daughter speaks great English.

No one makes older gentlemen like the French,
And that’s mostly who was out:
Trimming hedges,
Walking with a baguette under the arm,
Barefoot, playing golf.

And we six drift between roads and fields.
The family of dogs watch us creep up the lane.
There is a Shetland pony nearby,
And a young girl strokes his mane
And says his name,
How picturesque, how quaint.

We drive by
Village after village:
Church, bakery, school,
So little and so much to these
Provincial towns.

Ahhh ramène-moi en France! To finish, here’s a little poetic ramble I shared whilst on the bike..

📝YOUTH SEMINAR

Surreal seminar settings..

It was an honour to lead a seminar on ‘spoken-word in worship’ for around 40 young people at a Christian youth festival. After sharing some poems and a few top tips, I gave them time to write and space to share. About half the group stepped up and read us a few lines from their poems. The pieces were raw, honest, and moved me to tears. At the end, I was privileged to hear some young people remark that it had “unlocked something.” As my friend Josh says, poetry is a lifeline, not a luxury!

I grew up going to festivals like these, and I kept thinking of young Joey, wondering what he’d be doing (probably eating a crepe) and how he’d be finding it all. Would he have wandered into a spoken word workshop !? I reckon he’d have enjoyed it, and maybe it would’ve helped him find his way with words sooner.

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🎪FESTIVAL VIBES

Home away from home

It was a dream come true being able to share poems @greenbeltfestival. Although I didn’t grow up going there, I feel at home amidst the calm, chaotic, colourful celebration of faith, artistry, and activism—buzzing with so many powerful people and voices. That is Greenbelt.

From the weather, to the people, to the music, to the talks, it was stunning from start to finish. Two weeks on, I’m still reeling and beginning to write a separate Substack to process it all. I want to tell you about everything! From my profound spiritual experience dancing to KOG, to our collective heartbreak listening to Gaza Poets Society and my joy meeting Adjoa Andoh (aka Lady Danbury from Bridgerton).

This year’s theme was “Hope in the Making,” and it was such an honour to contribute. I shared poems about the weather, lovebirds, togetherness, as well as some hopeful works, ending on this lament, for Gaza, and for every land where hope is under siege.

The incomparable KOG music

🎤CIRCLES & STAGES

It’s always affirming when one is invited to share — anytime, anywhere. Speaking on national stages is a thrill (for real), but at heart, I’m a local poet. I began my poetry journey, offering clumsy words to my friends and my church.

I’m indebted to those communities for the way they received and encouraged me, and now it’s a privilege to play my part in cheering others on. This academic year, I’m looking forward to leading more workshops in schools and colleges, and to working with councils, charities, and anyone else who will have me!

In conclusion, this season feels both full circle and like it’s only just beginning. I don’t know exactly where it’s heading, but I’m certain that young Joey would be proud of me. Here’s a set of Haikus that summarise my summer.

🌈Coming up

For a beautiful mix of music, poetry and comedy, come join me in Charing Cross Library on the first Friday of the Month, from 7-9 pm. It’s free to attend, and details can be found here. The next one is Friday, 5th September!

I’m also delighted to announce I will be helping to host a new open Mic at KC Continental Stores (also free to attend) on the last Sunday of each Month, with the next one being Sunday 28th September. Save the date, and say hello!

🕊Peace be with you

Thanks for reading and all your support

Big love, David Joey