Stephen Santus

Stephen Santus (b. 1948 Wigan) has been writing poetry since 1965. His interest was sparked by his older brother who loved to read poetry and Shakespeare aloud. Santus appreciates classical Chinese poets and the Japanese haiku and tanka writers for their delicacy and emotional accessibility. He teaches English in a language school in Oxford, having previously taught in France and Austria. He also admires Philip Larkin and his ‘ability to sneak deep truths past you when you think you are just having a pint and a chat at the bar’.

Forward Prizes History:

  • 2014 Forward Prizes for Best Single Poem, winner for ‘In a Restaurant’ (The Bridport Prize)