Safe Sounds by Carol Ann Duffy

I’ve been pondering the most suitable poem to open this year’s selection all month. January calls for inspiration, motivation to persevere with New Year’s Resolutions, hope and promise to see us through what is for many, the darkest month of the year. But I like January.

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Five Things: In defence of January

Last week began with a bit of a false start, still sicky and sofa-bound with all the glamour of antibiotics and regular steaming sessions. By Thursday I was actually thrilled to be back on my feet and back to work, but those extra few days not leaving work in the dark or standing at bus stops in the rain did soften my already rather fluffy spot for the dreaded month of January.