I was born and still live in London, with a husband, and sadly now only with one cat. I give readings in or close to London (and further afield as long as reasonable expenses are paid).

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I earned my living as an information officer in the NHS and retired a few years ago. I also had a part-time job as an Associate Lecturer with the Open University teaching geology to undergraduates.

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My poetry is strongly influenced by the natural world, particularly its rocks. Birds also feature quite a bit. Here's what some reviewers have said about my poems:

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"I thought these poems were simply beautiful: well-wrought, intelligent, keenly perceptive and finely crafted."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Amy Wack

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"Barbara Cumbers' poems exist in a powerful tension between the physical reality of this world, with often explicit reference to her geologist background, and its moments of emotion and uncertainty. The result is poems of moving precision and revelation."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Robert Seatter

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