Written during the lockdowns and COVID-19 pandemic of 2021, Look Inside is a collection of poetry documenting the trials and tribulations of love and life during this extraordinary period. The author’s outlook sweeps us into a journey of discovery which encompasses the highs and lows of falling in love, the delights of nature, with a smattering of the political thrown in for good measure. This broad, often humorous mix of poems brings together this debut collection from an emerging new talent.
Phillipa Ridge’s foray into the world of poetry was ignited by the collision of two of life’s great enigmas: the act of falling in love and the occurrence of a life-changing event, the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic. Despite the challenges of lockdown, she dedicated herself to creating poetry, documenting the rollercoaster ride that is finding and losing love, whilst simultaneously focusing her attention on the events of this extraordinary time, both politically and socially. “Lockdown has forced us to rethink our lives, and to analyse what is intrinsic to our happiness, whilst staring down the barrel of a loaded gun. Poetry was my calm amidst the chaos.” Phillipa lives in Lancashire. She is currently working on her second book.