Collected: The Influence of the Past

"I learned how many doors can be opened into a story, how light always balances darkness"

© Tim Hill Courtesy of Canva Pro

Episode: 455 (Duration 19 mins)

RLF Fellows, Sarah Hilary, Peter Fiennes and Claire Williamson reflect on the complex relationship between their personal and writing lives, from Sarah’s powerful piece on finding the words to express painful family history, to Peter’s medication on finding oneself amongst the trees.

And do listen on to the end of the podcast, where Claire reads this beautiful poem in full, dedicated to her brother who committed suicide.

An Empty Catkin

for Nick

An empty catkin
has shed all its golden pollen 
given everything up
like a good boy.