A COLLECTION of poignant, thoughtful and inspiring poems penned by Buriton’s Monica Ditmas (92) are proving very popular.

One Bird Flying, published by Anima Poetry Press has just been reprinted with more copies now available at One Tree Books, priced £8.

Former headteacher and trained counsellor Monica was for years a resident of Buriton where she retired, but last year, due to ill-health, she went to live in Milkwood Care Home in Liss.

The poems in her book, which was launched to more than 50 people at One Tree Books in Petersfield in December, reflect on life in retirement, at home and in residential care. They show that, despite old age, your mind can be free and open to new experiences.

“The poems are full of perception, humanity, courage and humour,” said Adele Phillips, a friend of Monica’s and a fellow poet.

A watercolour by Buriton artist Lynne Ashcroft adorns the cover. One of the poems – Walking for Health – was written after Monica had a coffee in the Pop-In cafe at Winton House, Petersfield.

Monica has written poetry on her everyday experiences all her life, as well as two plays and a book on prayer.