A Poem by our Writer in Residence, David Gilbert

Man Walking He’s not the sort of man who can easilyfix what he’s done. The air smells thickly of pine.He wants to learn to be ordinary.To blend. But he sees things at an angle. Just as a child lends too much of himselfto those around him and thus accelerateshis own dying, he walks slowly nowunused […]

Bethlem Art Fair 2023: Call out for artwork

Bethlem Art Fair 2022 Bethlem Gallery invites artists, patients, service users, carers and loved ones, staff and volunteers connected to the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to contribute up to 3 artworks to the Bethlem Art Fair 2023 that will be open from 25th November 2023 – 20th January 2024. Download the submission […]

A Poem by our Writer in Residence, David Gilbert

Forgiveness It’s not such hard work to forgive.We tend to think of it as freight.But conscience, like air, is so light. All sorts of truths, imaginaryor real, are easily put right.Mother, you were right too, to turn away when I was ill.What mattered was what littleyou had left to give. I knew. But it took […]

A Poem by our Writer in Residence, David Gilbert

By The Way She pulls herself up the white steps,as if cajoling a self-made soul and knowing that I’m the last personto be persuaded of the strengthwe possess, I offer her my arm.She waves me away, then levers herself into the low green wicker chair. ‘I admire your determination’ I say. She cups her hand to her earand shouts: ‘I’m afraid […]

A Poem by our Writer in Residence, David Gilbert

The Experiment Buoyancy is a consolation for this impossible home. Kate Rambridge We have all been called this or that over the years. Now we are who we are. From Inland, Tea Obrecht — Streetlights – the night mist – my shadows thrown in four directions at once, we criss-cross the empty avenues, witness to […]

A Poem by our Writer in Residence, David Gilbert

On the 17th Day Well, you wouldn’t be herewere it not for the unrecognisedkindnesses you’ve shown yourself. You think it was god?You think love is all ra-ra-ra?You need a cosmic white light? Still you’d doubtthe quietness in your browas you let your eyes fallbehind the lids. And your body sink Yet this is as real […]

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