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
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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.
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 appear in:
The Complete Works of Alexander Pushkin in English" - Published by Milner & Co..
I enjoy broadcasting - my "Thought for the Day" has been frequent feature on BBC Radio Scotland'. I have also written many 'News Assembly' scripts for schools, published online by Optimus Education. I also contribute to the online magazine 'Worship Live,' (www.worshiplive.org.uk)
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POEM OF THE MONTH
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A Carol for November
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Lord of the drizzle, the damp and the chill,
Lord of the leaves that lie soaking and still,
Christmas comes earlier, year after year.
Santas's been sited. Your season is near.
TV commericals proclaim the good news,
Make us an offer we dare not refuse;
'Come with your credit cards. Steand up and spent
Pay when the universe comes to an end.'
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Lord of November, come early, come soon.
Gleam through the mists of our grey afternoon.
Short and depressing and dull is our day.
Come witjh the catalogues. Come. Lord, and stay.
t
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WORKSHOPS
A BOX OF SURPRISES
"An entertainment in poetry and storytelling"
I visit schools, clubs, theatres and churches, offering 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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