In a special series for Huffington Post UK Culture, some of the country's finest performance poets have recorded exclusive end of year messages. You can read a copy of Michelle's poem below.

Michelle Madsen, 30, co-founder of Hammer & Tongue Poetry
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How long have you been performing poety?
Since 2004

What is your Christmas message about?
The gloom asuterity measures have cast over the season and how the UK has lurched from the 'disaster' of riots in the summer to strikes and cuts in the winter.

Who is your favourite poet, and poem?
My favourite poet is James Tate but my favourite poem is called Absence by Elizabeth Jennnigs

Where can we see you perform?
At Hammer & Tongue at the Green Note Cafe in Camden on 9 January

What will you be doing this Christmas?
Dreaming of snow, walking through mud