Scratch ‘N’ Sniff Poem
Under the surface, beyond eyes,
there’s a calm, soothing space
where poetry lies.
It begins with a scratch, a scrape, a graze.
It soon grips the mind in mysterious ways.
It’s freshly cut grass, it’s cinnamon rolls,
it’s an open grate fire, it’s the last lump of coal.
It’s a box blooming new trainers, the scent from within.
Once scratched and then sniffed, it’s under your skin.
there’s a calm, soothing space
where poetry lies.
It begins with a scratch, a scrape, a graze.
It soon grips the mind in mysterious ways.
It’s freshly cut grass, it’s cinnamon rolls,
it’s an open grate fire, it’s the last lump of coal.
It’s a box blooming new trainers, the scent from within.
Once scratched and then sniffed, it’s under your skin.
This poem is copyright (©) Leigh Anthony Manley 2026
About the Writer
Leigh Anthony Manley
Leigh is a new phase poet from Maesteg in South Wales. His writing for adults explores themes including cultural identity and living with chronic illness, and has featured in publications by Poetry Wales, Nawr Magazine, Black Bough Poetry, and The Seventh Quarry. In 2022, he was shortlisted for Disability Arts Cymru’s Creative Word Award. Leigh was recently selected by Literature Wales’ writer development programme, ‘Representing Wales’ (2023/24), geared towards writing for young people.
