Julia Darling
in Print

ISBN 0 902653 71 7 
£1.00

This is the first collection of poems by Julia Darling to be published. Through 1987/88 Julia was working as a writer with groups throughout Newcastle, and spent much time performing her poetry in popular pubs and community centres. The work that grew out of her experiences was published in 1988 by Newcastle upon Tyne City Libraries. A few copies remain: contact for current availability: the price (including postage) is £1.60

Small Beauties

My first poem, just about!

Let the milk boil over
The half-filled tins of baked beans sit on the table,
Children scribble on the walls with crayons,
Clothes heap in riotous mountains.

I am reading a book.

Let the bells ring, bills lie unopened,
Doors slam open then bash shut, letters unwritten,
Plants unwatered, bread get hard as a rock.

I am thinking about the moon.

Let the bank get nasty, the grass grow high,
Children decorate themselves with lipstick,
Build houses within houses in every room,
Pee on the floor, pull dolls' heads off.

I am looking for a door.

Oh come here you small beauties,
Together we will run across the town moor,
With waving fingers, running for our lives.

You are too small, and too beautiful to ignore.