An Alexandria poet whose work has brought laughter and tears to Lennox readers over the years has published her second book.
Dora Wright, 77, began writing poetry in 2009 after breaking her back and wrist in a nasty fall at home.
Since then she has written hundreds of poems, admitting it helps her express herself.
Dora’s first book, The Sliding Door, was published in 2021 with her second, The Naked Tree, launching last month.
And she explained how the accident at home started her journey to becoming a published poet.
Dora said: “I first started writing poetry in 2009 after a bad fall in my kitchen where I broke my wrist in two places and fractured my back.
“Previously I’d met an old friend and she said she used to write poetry and had been a member of a writing group, so I contacted them and asked if I could join and they welcomed me in.
“I learned a lot listening to the other members and have never looked back.
“My main inspirations are nature, love, hate and lots of humour.
“I love a laugh, although some of my poems can be a bit rude and naughty.
“Writing poetry helps you get your feelings into the open, good or bad they are better expressed than repressed.
“I suppose it’s true that most poets have lived everything they’ve written about, although there are a lot of poems that are purely from the imagination.”
Dora, who lives in Alexandria with partner of 30 years Jim, is a member of several writing groups locally – namely the Leven Litts and Clydebank Writers and regularly performs at the Balloch Open Mic Nights every month at the Balloch House Hotel.
But readers familiar with Dora’s work from the Lennox might be in for a surprise if they purchase her book.
She continued: “It was always a plan to write another book, I have written so many poems since I first started in 2009, I could fill half a dozen books.
“Getting my first book published was quite exciting. It was good to get feedback and to know that my poems had touched a few hearts.
“I’m very proud of it. My first book was well received when I published it and my poems seem to go down well at the Balloch Open Mic nights every month, so I’m hoping this one will be equally well received.
“I don’t think it differs that much from the first one, although there are maybe a few more thought-provoking poems.
“I think anyone who likes poetry would find something that appealed to them in my books.
“I’ve had a lot of poems printed in the Lennox, but the slightly naughty ones probably wouldn’t be allowed!”
The Naked Tree is available on Amazon.
