Official Website of Author, Poet & Translator
John J. Coutts
BOOKS
LINES OF A LIFETIME
COLLECTED POEMS
A SACKFUL OF POEMS FOR CHRISTMAS
WAS THAT ME?
EVERYCHILD AND OTHER POEMS
A GARLAND FOR THE PASSION
WORDS BEYOND WORDS
“
BIO
Welcome to my website! I am a poet, performer, author and translator. I've written extensively for BBC radio and published books and articles in the fields of literature and religion. I am also Poet-in-Residence at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum here in Stirling, Scotland. 'Ths Smith has published 'Oswald the Cat's Book of Poems for Fun and Finding out' intended for children and grownups as well.
As a poet, I believe that obscurity is not profundity, and that obscenity is not originality. I write in 'traditional' metres - and many of my poems are intended for public performance as well as private reading.
My qualifications include a first class degree in English Language and Literature from Oxford University and PhD in New Testament Studies from Edinburgh University. I am also a linguist - a number of my translations from Russian have appeared in The Complete Works of Alexander Pushkin in English" - Published by Milner & Co. A new bilingual edition of Pushkin's Lyrics is now appearing, published by the Alma Press. My latest publication is 'Rap around the Gospel'- stories from the life of Jesus with rap commentary. It's available as a paper copy or a PDF and rappers are welcome to copy and adapt the scripts to suit their own talent. Email me to find out more.
POEM OF THE MONTH
NOVEMBER 2020
For all the Saints…
An act of praise for All Saints Day [November 1st]
celebrating “May’s Mission” –
which later became The Salvation Army Hall, Denton Gravesend
If stones could praise
And bricks could pray,
They’d thank the Lord
For William May;
The Mission Man
Who ran the show
In hungry years
Of Long Ago;
With Band of Hope,
And Boys Brigade,
And Christ in glory
On parade:
Plus Bible Women
Strong in text,
By noisy children
Unperplexed -
Or driven daft
By urchins’ tricks?
Just ask the silent
Stones and bricks.
If drains could laugh
And floors had tears,
We might rerun
The hectic years
Retained in God’s
Thick files of grace,
When Mrs.Clayton
Ruled the place:
- A strong Salvation
Citadel,
Whose kitchen sink
Had tales to tell
Through slump and blitz…
But Gospel Praise
Is less in vogue
In doubting days
And Sister Duty
Seems uncool;
Yet still we play
The holy fool,
And join today
In love and laughter
To say “well done”
To brick and rafter;
And start the game
Of grace again -
World without end.
Hurrah! Amen.
The building popularly known as “May’s Mission” began was as an outpost
of St.Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Clayton was Secretary of the
Home League (The Salvation Army Women’s organisation) in the 1930s.
Many thanks to Gravesend Historical Society!
WORKSHOPS
A BOX OF SURPRISES
"An entertainment in poetry and storytelling"
I present a flexible and engaging performance which interests both old and young - and gives the audience a chance to join in.
The "Box of Surprises" turns out to be a "Pirate's Chest" full of treasures - ordinary items with extraordinary stories.
A second theme - "True Tales of a Long Lifetime' - takes us a journey of discovery if prose and verse, mixing laughter, reflection, entertainment and insight. "
'The Box of Surprises'" was full of words of wit and wisdom - and your readings gave us rhythms and rhymes, moving us to laughter and near tears." - Liberton Kirk Guild:
"I really enjoyed learning about rhythm. When I am older I think I would like to be a poet." - HK from Primary Class Six
CONTACT
For any inquiries, please contact John Coutts:
Tel: UK(+44) 01786 470930 |
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