A.E.Houseman said “The business of poetry is to harmonise the sadness of the universe”. Particularly poignant at this moment in London, we had a fabulous, varied evening of poetry and some prose at West Greenwich Library on the theme of politics, democracy etc.. It didn’t only harmonise the sadness of the universe, but also the joy, humour and humanity of the universe.
We were treated by Mick Delap, Fiona Moore (reading in the photograph), Jazzman John Clarke, Lorraine Mariner, Sarah Westcott and NJ Hynes to serious and satirical works – their own and by other poets and writers from all over the world and eras (Amichai, Frost, Hardy, Angelou…). Two poems by Kate Foley and one by Carl Griffin were read by Mick. There were contributions through open mic, including extracts from the diary of suffragette Marion Wallace Dunlop, who went on hunger strike and refused force-feeding, and was eventually released; we heard how Plato predicted that we would eventually be ruled by bullies and many other thought-/laughter-/tears-provoking pieces of writing.
Thank you to all those who read and all those who attended and who continue to support in-words and local talent.
Events
February 25
West Greenwich Library 146 Greenwich High Rd London SE10 8NN
WRITING DOWN DEEP Jan Fortune of Cinnamon Press will launch her own book, Writing Down Deep – An Alchemy of the Writing Life, grown from her blog, experience and craft. Not a how-to, but a volume rich with ideas, exercises and reflections.
Door opens at 7 for a 7.30 start. All welcome
March 10 – POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER
Graham Fawcett‘s lecture/performance on American poet Elizabeth Bishop.
Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979) is not widely known in this country. Unaccountably so, given her profound and varied output, her literary prizes and her interesting life.
But for a true insight and some wonderful readings, do come to Graham’s talk with the wonderful Sue Aldred as second reading voice. Plenty of time to whet your appetite by reading up on Bishop…
Venue to be confirmed.
March 24
West Greenwich Library 146 Greenwich High Rd London SE10 8NN
Two Cinnamon poets with very different voices: Edward Ragg, who lives in China, will read from his book Exploring Rights; Ian Gregson will launch his collection with the intriguing title The Slasher and the Vampire as Role Models. Ian replaces Omar Sabbagh, who sadly is unable to come over from Dubai. Let’s hope that Edward Ragg will be allowed to travel from China…
Door opens at 7 for a 7.30 start. All welcome
April 28
West Greenwich Library 146 Greenwich High Rd London SE10 8NN
TWO GIRLS AND A BEEHIVE Rosie Jackson and Graham Burchell will launch Two Girls and a Beehive, their collaborative collection of poems, due to be published by Two Rivers Press (Reading) earlier that month. The poems follow the life and explore much of the work of visionary artist Stanley Spencer, as well as giving voice to his complex personal life and the relative invisibility of artist Hilda Carline, his first wife. With projected images of the artist’s works.
Door opens at 7 for a 7.30 start. All welcome
May 12
West Greenwich Library 146 Greenwich High Rd London SE10 8NN
Readings by the wonderful Chrissie Gittins and Wendy French
Door opens at 7 for a 7.30 start. All welcome
June 23
West Greenwich Library 146 Greenwich High Rd London SE10 8NN
NIGHT WATCHED Celebrating the Solstice with Graham High‘s poetic look at the Astronomers Royal, Kelley Swayne bringing us women astronomers plus other poets’ vision of the night skies…
