Good morning, so sorry that yet again I'm a day late with my posting, but I have good reason to be - I've had a busy, busy week.
Tuesday, 22nd March, I had the honour of attending 'Fizz 6' a poetry evening in the refectory of Polesworth Abbey, Polesworth, where The Lichfield Poets performed work from their two anthologies. I've reviewed similar events on many occasions, as a writer I attend as a means of relaxing within the company of other wordsmiths - each time I come away inspired and eager to focus upon my own writing. Anyway, The Lichfield Poets - nine poets attended representing the local group and they where a delight to behold. They began with a selection of poems relating to 'Battles':
'During the War' by B Asbury - such precious memories infused with colour, such as the kingfisher, brought the imagery to life.
'Village Cricket Team 1913' by B Macnair - highlighted the simple pleasures of village life lost amidst the tragedy of war, capturing the sorrow of a decimated community.
'The Ballard of a Soldier' by H Fowler - portrayed the heartache of wartime love - the long distance relationship, the short courtship and the return of an unknown husband - so beautifully written and yet touched with sadness, it brought a tear to my eye and it wasn't the only one.
'All You Need Is Love' by G Barbrook - portrayed love in its multifaceted manner - experiences that each of us can relate to.
'The Departure' by G Longden - reminded us of recent battles, though the traditions and rituals of war remain unchanged - Gary's poem cleverly ignited memories with a backdrop of music from the era.
'Shoebox Appeal' by A Webster - this poem really touched me; each line drew upon the emotions and reasoning behind preparing a simple box filled with love and pride. The poet managed to convey such sentiment without mush or sloppiness - a truly beautiful poem.
'Yet To Come' by V Thompson - this piece brought a lump to my throat, a reminder of recent images of Wiltshire villages honouring the dead - definitely a performance piece, with superb delivery.
'No White Flag' by J Jenkins - a battle of a very different kind between two waring neighbours - made me chuckle. I loved the inclusion of a Churchill-like speech, defining the battle for health while the neighbourly battle raged on.
'Chain Recation' by J Green - wonderful how one stanza can create such a beautiful, comedy image lodged in the memory of a four year old - making the audience chuckle as well.
As you can see the poetry conveyed many kinds of battles; I really can't do justice to the poems and so recommend purchasing their anthology 'Battle Lines' (ISBN 978-0-905985-53-4) to fully appreciate their talents. With the added knowledge that all profits from the collection are being donated to the NMA Appeal, The National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Lichfield. I also bought their other anthology 'Silver Words' (ISBN 978-0-905985-46-6) honouring the 25th anniversary of St Giles Hospice, Whittington, Staffordshire.
The Lichfield Poets continued to delight with performance poetry which varied in tone and topic. Much hilarity arose from 'Wheelie bins know what you are thinking' by Steph Lunn, 'Sauce' by Jan Arnold and 'The Tale of The Teeth' by Janet Jenkins. Whereas dramatic delivery accompanied 'Adultery' by Gary Longden, 'Hats' by Anthony Webster and 'Incantation' by Val Thompson, where a posse of poets delivered each poem with precision timing.
After rapturous applause in recognition of their talents and delivery, the mic was open to other performers. Alec Simpson read an extract from his autobiography 'A Boy at War' telling the tale of dancing lesson during his school days. Andy Biddulph provided a guitar accompaniment to his poetry reading, which in keeping with The Lichfield Poets, focused upon war. George Barbrook's poem 'Scout Camp' was crammed with images of fun-hungry scouts running a muck between games of 'maggots'. Margaret Torr delivered three poems 'Home run', 'Empathy' and ' Hidden agenda' each beautifully crafted - leaving the audience wanting more. Ian Ward's 'Lifestyle' and 'The Traveller' and Dee Costello's 'Memorial to the ordinary' and 'Arrowheads' were befitting the tribute and theme of the evening. Steph Lunn's three poems 'One more day', 'Something must have happened' and 'The magician's wife' brought yet another tear to my eye - I really must be get a grip but hey that's the beauty of poetry.
Barry Patterson finished the evening with a very dramatic piece, inspired by Pooley colliery, combining geology terms and a story of first day mining nerves - a winner all around with its curious terminology, natty punch lines, quick delivery and of course Barry's unique style.
Wow - what a night! Believe me, these are just the highlights of three hours of poetry - you really need to experience the whole night to appreciate such talent. Next 'Fizz 7' evening - 17th May 2011 at Polesworth Abbey Refectory - performance by The New Polesworth Poets, phase two of the Polesworth Poetry Trail - doors open at 7ish ready for a prompt start at 7.30pm - everyone welcome.
See, I told you I'd been busy, all that in just one night - my creative juices were over flowing with enthusiasm and ideas. So much so that I was able to craft a small poem about a pit pony called Jutt, as part of my offering for the Polesworth Poetry Trail phase two - which I've mentioned on previous weeks. I'd put aside my original idea as I was struggling to do justice to the subject, plus an annoying little rhythm had developed - which I didn't want. So I turned my mind to a smaller poem dedicated to a Welsh pit pony and surprise, surprise success. I shall return to my prize poem in a day or so, as all poems have to be complete by 8th April.
My final stint for this week is, or rather, it's fast appraoching is my 'big birthday' on Friday, 1st April. So, this week sees me entering my final week as a thirty something - boy, has that decade flown. I have found myself reflecting upon the past ten years which have been very fulfilling on a personal level but there has been a underlying yearning regards my writing. So, as I enter my final week at 39, I am hoping that my focus will continue to be achieving my goal of a published book.
Thanks for reading - it really was a mammoth week.... fingers crossed this next week lives up to my expectations as I head to Dublin, with my darling hubby, to celebrate the big four zero!
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