Introducing Gary Pollard – The Wandering Lyricist
Gary Pollard and his family have lived in the Mapperley area for the last ten years.
The Wandering Lyricist is the title of his book of poetry released in 2019 book, which has these reviews on Amazon:
A wonderful poetic surprise on every page left me wanting more. Tony King
Gary has a way with words that only comes from honesty and experience. A true delight on every page. Ian Brough. Lead singer, Dream Deep.
Inspirational! With his previously hidden talent, Gary paints pictures with his words. Fran Haynes
Truly original pieces, portraying warmth and compassion. Deeply moving and thought provoking. Jacquelynne Collins-Kemp
Always writing from his heart with imagination, humour and sincerity, he seeks to transport the reader or listener to other places. Places where new things can be thought about or experienced.
We asked Gary what he think of the Mapperley area:
“We love it here, because of the beautiful houses that decorate the streets, and the diverse people that live in them. The good mix of shops and the welcoming bars and the cafés, all add to the appeal. It is a lovely place for us to bring up our two young children.”
Gary Pollard
Born and raised in Bulwell, Gary moved to Hucknall in his twenties and then to Carlton after he met his wife.
It was around the time of moving to the Mapperley area that his interest in poetry began. Having changed jobs (from print finisher to a support worker) there was an expectation to write reports and this woke an interest in writing creatively too.
Gary then joined what he describes as ‘a wonderful group of creative writers in Sherwood’.
Every week we were asked to write about one prominent word. I started by writing reams of thoughts that seemed to lack soul, as I read them out to my peers. Therefore, I looked for an alternative angle to express my thoughts and feelings. I looked up how to write poetry and never looked back!
Poetry readings and performances followed. This lead to a published book with Augur Press and an appearance on Radio Nottingham with Alan Clifford. Gary’s first book The Wandering Lyricist was launched in an event at The Book Case in Lowdham.
His work has appeared in an online journal called Rat’s Ass Review (Winter 2020). Gary has recently self-published a book titled The Beauty of Words, Family Poetry with Amazon.
The Wandering Lyricist is available from the Nottingham Castle shop, as well as online.
Gary says
I feel my writing changes with every passing year. Somehow it feels ever more natural to write poetry and to draw inspiration from my surroundings. I love to write about nature and the beautiful places we have visited together, in England and abroad with my family who feature heavily too. I also write poems for my children to enjoy. I try to uplift the reader with humour, sincerity and positivity with written visuals that take you on a journey through the written pieces.
Here’s Blank Mind from 2021
A calming influence
Quiet as the summer breeze
Relaxing, still, content.
Gentle as the turning waves
Time to draw a brush
And paint.
Gary POLLARD 2021
You can follow the Wandering Lyricist on Twitter and Instagram accounts @poetnottingham
