Dreams, if remembered, can be a rich source of material for writing, especially poetry. The imagery, ideas and concepts that can be thrown up by the sleeping sub-conscious are a gold mine!

However for most people dreams rapidly fade on awakening. Try keeping a dream diary – a note book you take to bed with you. When you awake in the morning before you do anything else (other than turn the alarm off!) jot down the dream regardless of whether it makes any sense. If you can not remember it is there a feeling, sensation or a lingering taste? Write these down instead.

After a week have a flick through the diary – a poem concept or sometimes even the beginnings of an actual poem may present itself to you.

If not carry on with the diary and try again the next week!