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Skipton poet releases book featuring a rhyme a day to capture life in Skipton

Thursday, 2 October 2025 11:17

Susan Armstrong-Finnerty (The Cosmic Rhymer) posted a rhyme a day online in 2024 and has now published the full collection.

As she approached her 60th Birthday, Susan decided to post a rhyme a day on X.

2024 being a leap year, this resulted in 366 rhymes, many based around her life in Skipton.

With a degree in English and Drama, Susan says that rhyming has always been her passion:

"These poems are more than just a chronicle, they are a reflection of my soul - my beliefs, joys and values.

"Themes of kindness, colour therapy, self-care, astrology, crystals, nature and playful indulgence in life's fizz and fun weave through the verses."

Susan used daily writing as a 'meditative anchor' as she faced trials such as a health scare, a house move and festive holidays.

"Inspiration flowed from daily routines, beloved music, artists like Dolly Parton and quirky celebrations like cocktail day.

"I embraced sensitive topics, such as illness and loss, but sidestepped politics to focus on universal truths.

"What began as a personal project for friends and family grew into a global conversation with followers from a bee conservation charity to American fans delighting in my work."

One of Susan's poems, reflecting on her settlement in Skipton with her Husband, went as follows:

We found it by chance on a bright, breezy day,

A town full of charm, tucked gently away.

Skipton, its name — from the old “Sheep Town” days —

With lovely cobbled streets, it charms in a million ways.

A day trip, a stroll, just a thought in the air:

“This place,” we said softly, “we’d love living there.”

Years passed us by, but that spark never died;

When the need to move came, we let our hearts be our guide.

Now here we belong, where the Dales kisses the sky,

Where the weather never dampens spirits — though it gives a good try.

Susan Armstrong-Finnerty's (The Cosmic Rhymer) book, 'A Rainbow of Rhyme', with illustrations by Gerd Altmann, is available at Gemology, Craven Court, Skipton, and online at: thecosmicrhymer.myshopify.com

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