The question of why a writer writes is at the heart of everything we all do, so it’s no surprise that the WM writers sent in a fat postbag of inspired, original and fascinating submissions on this month’s theme! As you can imagine, the ‘Why I Write’ theme touched a chord and we had a lot of reading to do! Each piece that was sent was rewarding to read, offering insights into individual creative approaches, motivations and processes. There was some terrific writing, too, with passionate individual voices shining out, and beautifully crafted work marked by use of voice and language. We could have filled pages with what we were sent, but there is only room for two, and I’m sure you’ll agree that the pair of outstanding pieces we’ve printed show for themselves exactly why we picked them. TJ
POETRY
Fingerprints By Christine Ratcliff
Where did they go, those whirls and whorls that proved my sole identity? Which year wiped out those marks of mine alone or did they wear off gradually into this silken smoothing? The print made now is no more than a smeary smudge. A hairless cat could leave a patterned patch more interesting than mine. But I have left my fingerprints behind on everything and everyone I’ve touched. Most may just remember, fleetingly; some would more than willingly forget. But some may turn a page one day and find some words that spilled from underneath these outworn pads and find the sharing of a heart, a voice, the imprint of a soul that is unique.
• Christina Ratcliff ’s poem on what the writer may leave behind and the lingering impression their words may create, transcending the limitations of a physical body, is a beautifully crafted piece of writing where each word and every resonant image has been carefully chosen and perfectly placed. With moments of delightful surprise and quirky observation – ‘the hairless cat’ is a standout image – the poem infuses playfulness into its sensitive delivery. With its profound message that writing is an act of sharing ‘a heart, a voice, the imprint of a soul that is unique’, Christina has created a memorable, generous offering of her words, and her self.
WE WANT YOUR WRITING
(and we’ll pay you for it!)
Each month in WM, we feature creative writing by our subscribers. Selected pieces will be published in WM and we pay £50 for prose and £25 for poetry, and provide a mini-critique explaining what made the pieces stand out to us.
This month, inspired by the great piece on combining genres in
