Liverpool’s local creative scene is buzzing with the latest addition to the 52 for ’26 poetry project. This week, writer Neve Smith takes the spotlight with her new piece, It’s Not Spiders, offering a raw and honest look at navigating an anxious mind through the power of language.

The project, which aims to highlight emerging voices across the city, has found a perfect match in Smith. She manages to take those frantic, internal moments we all know too well and flip them into something relatable and, surprisingly, quite humorous.
If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts were running a marathon while you were just trying to grab a coffee, this poem is for you. It’s the kind of writing that makes you feel a little less alone in your own head, which is honestly such a vibe.
Sometimes, getting out of your own thoughts means finding a new street food pop-up or engaging with local art to ground yourself. Creativity, whether it’s through poetry or exploring the city’s hidden gems, is a massive part of staying balanced here.
What to expect from Neve’s work:
- A relatable deep dive into anxious thoughts.
- A refreshing touch of dry, observational humour.
- A poetic style that feels like a chat with a friend.
Smith’s contribution is a reminder that even the most “noisy” parts of our lives can be transformed into art. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful content that keeps our city’s cultural pulse so vibrant and exciting right now.
This project is proving that Liverpool has so much more to offer than just the usual spots; it’s really about the people and their stories. Keep an eye on how these ongoing literary features continue to shape our local identity throughout the year.
Sharing these personal narratives encourages more residents to find creative outlets for their own mental well-being and expression.

