The past second of November, the iconic venue of Out of the Blue Drill Hall, famous for being Leith’s cultural hub, hosted the annual launch of Leith Writings. Leith Writings is formed by a group of volunteers who have come together for the past three years to create an anthology of writing submitted by people who live in, or are connected to, Leith. The first edition, The Darting Salamander (2021), was followed by The Seagull at The Shore (2022). For 2023, they launched Small Talk on The Walk, which featured my poem Spitoon, exploring my personal experience with the anthology’s theme of Perseverance.
In addition, I was asked a few questions about my submission, where I talked about my connection with Leith and the inspiration behind the poem.
L.W.: Tell us about any other publications you’ve been in (writing or otherwise)
Although I began writing poetry at a very young age, I took a break for over 10 years and didn’t return to it until 2023. As part of a New Year’s resolution, I started writing poems that I could send to my grandparents in Spain. As a result of this, I ended up creating my first poetry collection, which is currently in the process of being translated. I also published a poetry zine titled ‘My Men.’ My poems have been featured in numerous international literary magazines and collections, both in English and Spanish. Additionally, I regularly participate in various open mic events throughout Edinburgh, including an appearance on BBC Radio Scotland where I had the opportunity to share poems from my debut anthology. 2023 was particularly special for me, as I was named one of Scotland’s Next Generation of Makars. This recognition provided me with the chance to receive mentorship lessons from poet Janette Ayachi and to perform at the Fringe Festival!
L.W.: What’s your first memory of Leith?
Leith will always hold a special place in my heart in Scotland. I am originally from Malaga, Spain, and I arrived in Scotland in 2017, right after high school, to pursue a career in the creative industries. I was fortunate enough to find a flat on Leith Walk, where I stayed for the first six months. Leith Walk was where I discovered Scotland’s rich culture and developed a strong connection with the city. In Leith, I had my first pint of Tennents at the Brass Monkey, tried my first scone at Café Bellina, and was introduced to the live music scene. Now, six years later, I can’t imagine living anywhere else but Leith. Its people, multicultural environment, and the abundant cultural opportunities Leith has to offer make it the perfect place for me.
L.W.: If we came to visit you when you were writing, what would we find?
Some poets have a designated writing space where they have everything they need to start creating. However, my writing process is much more chaotic. I write on trains, buses, at work, on napkins, in the notes app. I even wake up some mornings with a poem already in my mind, ready to be written down! Even when I try to sit down and write in a structured way, expect to find me on a messy desk full of stacks of books and empty coffee cups.
L.W: Describe what writing means to you in three words.
Honesty
Connection
Impact
You can download a free PDF copy of Small Talk on The Walk here
