Humorous collection of poems by Warwick author

Buy photos » Warwick poet Rosemary Gregory with her new book ‘Grey Matters’.

AN award-winning poet from Warwick has published a humorous collection of her work.

Rosemary Gregory was diagnosed with cancer in October 2010 and began to pen a series of poems as she went through surgery and chemotherapy.

The retired teacher was then given a boost during her treatment when she discovered she had scooped £500 in winning a national competition with one of her earlier poems called 'Rambling'.

She has since compiled a collection of poems titled Grey Matters which is available in local bookshops now with a percentage of sales going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Rosemary told the paper: “After I was diagnosed I made a bucket list of things I most wanted to do and getting something published featured highly.

“I have since done stand up shows, in Brighton and locally, reading my poems. When people ask if they were frightening I say nothing can scare you after being told you have cancer.

“I am not 'battling' or 'struggling' or 'fighting' cancer, I am just getting on with things, writing another book, writing plays and even launching a belly dancing club for over 50s in Warwick.

“Life is for living and that is what I do.”

The Woodcote Road resident was born in Coventry and later moved to London, returning to the area five years ago, working as a supply teacher across Warwickshire before her retirement.

She describes her new collection as a 'funny and poetic look at life on the other side of the carriage clock', - the carriage clock signifying the standard retirement gift giving to people after long service with a company.

It is available at Warwick Books and Kenilworth Books priced £7.50, or by mail for £9 including postage and packing by emailing rosemaryg@hotmail.co.uk.

Rosemary's award-winning poem 'Rambling':

To keep me fit now I’ve retired, I’ll join a group for walking

We’ll stroll around the countryside, admiring stuff and talking

Observing nature in the raw. Oh! I can see it now

A stream, some bluebells, butterflies, some sheep, a friendly cow

The outdoor shop has all I need, stout walking boots are first

Thick woolly socks, two walking poles, a thermos for my thirst

A fetching bobble hat, some gloves, a bright red anorak

A whistle for emergencies, pedometer, backpack

Waterproof trousers, thermal gloves, a compass and a map

I pay the man and stagger home to have a well-earned nap

Next I break in my new boots, I’m feeling quite inspired

I walk around the garden twice, and now I just feel tired

But soon it’s Sunday, off I go to ramble in my kit

A ten-mile walk is just the thing to keep me young and fit

The walk is hilly, and the mud and nettles are a shock

I’m red faced, sweaty and worn out, there’s gravel in my sock

We’ve squelched across three muddy fields, climbed twenty seven stiles

The cow’s a bull, the gnats are fierce; we’ve only done two miles

My bites need covering with cream, my blisters need a plaster

I’m gasping like an old steam train, this walking’s a disaster

Back home at last, weary and weak - though soon I’m feeling fine

With walking gear on e-Bay and a massive glass of wine