A few years ago I was doing a poetry performance at a bar on Lark Lane in Liverpool, and a couple came over to chat after my set. The man and woman were probably both post-50, and told me they were just coming up to their first year together. They had both finally found their soul-mate.
They then presented an idea to me. Would I be able to write something for them, to celebrate their relationship? My poems had been read out at weddings before, but this was a real honour, to be asked to express two peoples’ feelings about their bond.
I asked them to write down a few words like a kind of ‘mind-map’, relating to emotions, interests, memories, meaningful stuff for them. I got their email and a couple of days later I had written something for them including these words. They were delighted and told me they had framed it.
I used a similar technique when I was comissioned to create a poem for Sefton in Mind, which is a group of Liverpool-based organisations working in wellbeing. I got them all to ‘donate’ a word reflecting their ethos and created a poem out of it. I’ve done other poems in tribute to family members.
So, have a think: if you would like a poem writing for any occassion, for your organisation, or in tribute to anyone living or not, get in touch. I’ll put my very best effort into it, as I always do. tomgeorgearts@hotmail.co.uk
Tom George 
Hi Tom,
many thanks for the lovely story! Very heartwarming and it gives hope. It is a wonderful to write a poem for such special occasions.
Best wishes from Vienna!
Luv, peace and hug,
Nadia:)
I’m glad you liked it Nadia. I always love to get your replies. Luv to you and Vienna! 🙂
🙂 Ta very much!
Hi Tom, hope all good Great story, nice one, it’s not easy to do! I’ve been asked to write poems for a pen friends wedding, a friends new born baby girl and a tribute to Bolton FM by presenter Rachel Darne after she introduced me doing my Bolton calling at the bolton arena before my mates band the Jade Assembly played. She’s asked me on her show and has now asked me to write her a poem for her new baby boy! Luckily there are musical references I can use as hes called Liam (after Gallagher and gray!). I also wrote one for a mate’s daughter who sadly passed away after taking dodgy drugs one night in bolton, we printed and framed loads for the event we held in her memory. Ps the Bolton FM poem is in my new book ‘Give me a country that cares’ – if you let me know your address I will post you a copy All the best, Jeff
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Hi Jeff, good to hear from you. It’s an honour isn’t it, being asked to write something. And a responsibility! Great to hear about the book, I’ll send you my address on facebook. Take care x