In this collection, both observational and introspective, life is fragile and time is relentless.

Bluebell Woods

(for Richard)

There must be more than stillness

that stands to stop in these woods;

more than a return to earth

and scattering of dust.

You must be more than memory;

a hope for song on the wind;

a blur of laughter caught

out of focus,

for a few seconds on film.

Or accept that you were here,

and that’s enough?

Turn and leave the woods,

and walk away,

following worn footsteps down the path.

Excerpt From

That Little Voice

Written By

Virginia Betts

In this follow-up to her first collection, Tourist to the Sun, Virginia Betts is once more preoccupied with the relentless ticking of time and the fragility of life. Betts manipulates language using rich metaphors and vivid imagery to immerse the reader, allowing them to glimpse the unusual way she experiences the world through words, as a neurodivergent writer. Sometimes satirical; at times melancholy, and often autobiographical, she may have The Last Word, but you know there will always be more.

This collection was composed during the period between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2024. It was a very successful period, both personally and creatively, but also one where several friends and family were lost, and this is reflected in some of the work. However, there is still a great deal of light in the darkness, and much humour and irony to appreciate. Even the more personal poems will mean something unique to each reader.

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Virginia Betts is a writer, tutor and actor from Ipswich, Suffolk, in the UK. She has had numerous articles, stories and poems published, and writes a regular column, PENspiration, for Felixstowe Magazine App, and a blog for Authors Electric. She has a degree in Literature and Sociology from Essex University, a Postgraduate degree in teaching English, and runs Results Tutoring in Ipswich. Virginia is a member of the Writer’s Guild, Equity, The Poetry Society, and a trustee for The Suffolk Poetry Society. She also has qualifications from LAMDA, and in Neurodivergent learning, Criminology and Forensic Psychology. Her scripts, stories and poetry have been performed on stage and radio, and she is a member of Black and White Productions Theatre Company. On stage she has most recently played Kate Bush, Mary Boleyn, Elizabeth Barton, Maude Gonne and Patricia Highsmith. Apart from her work, she loves making playlists, swimming, playing the violin and fun with family and friends.