The Poet's Penny (Should be the name for a pub or a very comfortable cafe)
Meet the voices behind the verse—our contributing poets page celebrates a diverse collection of writers whose work spans intimacy, resistance, wonder, and truth. Each brings their own rhythm and fire, forging poetry that speaks not just to the world, but from within it.
Poem of the Week – On this page we will feature the week's favourite Poetry submission.
O'Matsu-Hana
A bold and tender voice in South London’s spoken-word scene, O’Matsu‑Hana is known for weaving fierce honesty with lyrical warmth. Based in Greenwich, she performs regularly at local markets and poetry nights, including Pukka Poetry and community events across Deptford and beyond. Her work draws on everyday experience, memory, and transformation—often with a wink, a pause, or a sudden emotional gut punch. Keep an ear out: O’Matsu‑Hana will be appearing soon on the Phaedra’s Books Podcast (TBA), sharing new work and conversation in her inimitable style.
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Daily Verse
Many Rooms
So many rooms in the house
In my head
Pencil tip broken words left unsaid
So many walls this artist
Wont touch
Darkened Halls so far from me
Clean marks on the paper
Where a photo should be
Steps on steps I no longer hear
Railings and banisters polished with wear
Birds find a home nested transom space
Creatures domain abandoned safe space
The clanging of hanging pots and pans
The block is silent near an empty knife stand
Out in the garden neighbours children
Have wondered near a filled in pond
Full of weeds and wild flowers
How went the hours?
M ORoyan
