The volatile spark
Like an erupting volcano, a torrent of thoughts and words has compelled me to write these past few weeks. While I am primarily a songwriter, my relationship with poetry dates back to when my years were in single digits. Sometimes, it is the music of the spoken word that best expresses the most potent themes.
The resulting work is a fierce exploration of perspectives spanning the entire human experience:
A sense of community through music
Family and a sense of closeness
Disappointment, betrayal and broken friendships
Personal connection, and the ache of loneliness
The complexities of money, having affluent parents, and the isolation of having no one
Cultural quirks
The temporary nature of happiness
The value of curiosity
The series begins with skin, a contemplation of our most vital canvas, and just how important it is to simply have some.
At the foot of this article, you will find an audio file where I present skin as spoken word.
skin
you’re so soft and smooth
a universal protection
you cover my soul
in this earthling suit
you hold me together
keep everything in place
you help me breathe
and let the toxins escape
you come in different colours
a celebratory affair
no need to keep it boring
with only one to compare
sometimes you’re rather hairy
and with the passing of time
you start to fall apart
producing wrinkles and lines
like the circles in trees
reveal you’ve stories to tell
you can moisturise your memories
or cut with plastic hell
big bum
big boobs
big lips
face
lift
you’re my biggest organ
and my greatest protection
i’m growing old gracefully
with no intervention
you’re my biggest defender
my greatest affection
i’m growing old gracefully
i’m not a pretenderListen
Words and voice by Suzy Starlite. Recorded by Simon Campbell at the Supertone SonicLab. ℗ © Supertone Records, 2025.
Or perhaps…
Love it.
Wonderful. I love your skin.