Our final open mic of 2024 was wonderfully supported by the surprising poetry of our Guest Poet, Kevin Scully: @Kevrevwrites.
Two poems, both awarded winners in separate competitions: The Counting of Sheep' and 'Grandpa in the Wild', served to show the sheer breadth and skill of Kevin's work. His humanity shining through loud and clear.
Unafraid to confront a human tendency to polarise or simply shy away from topics that are multilayered and nuanced, Kevin's work rang with the red raw realities of life and the foibles of man.
Kevin held us on the edge of our seats while his poetry graphically chronicled the culling of a sheep and the impact on its observers. Not a single word was wasted nor gratuitous, but each line fell profoundly on our ears. A truly moving piece.
A poem featuring a medical examination, drawing parallels with life drawing and its inherent exposure and potential for vulnerability was both hilarious and poignant.
These were but a few of the gems that Kevin shared.
I do very much encourage you to visit his website: http://www.kevin-scully.com/poetry and consider purchasing some of his work. It'll be something that you return to time and again.
Our open mic-ers showed their reliable excellence in great form, particularly when responding to Mr John's Challenge which was 'The Crux of the Matter is...' ending with the beautiful line by Jules, 'the crux of the matter is to be free.'
Keith Willson railed against 'kept lawns' and Peter Wathen reminded us of the dungeon-like surroundings of our cellared meeting place. Teri Walsh gave us a touching poem of reminders and anniversaries, Jules' poems gave us the inescapable peace of the nocturnal and Paul K touched the profound with 'understated scourge upon the ground' (We're glad that Paul found the courage to share his poetry, long may that continue!)
Nicki told of an all too familiar encounter with 'Customer services' as well as tales of Reindeer, adultery and love! Di Hills was of a similar mind in 'I.T. and Me' and the 'Woman who Swims' told the tale of a local woman in her more generous years dipping into the sea here on our chilly shores!
Mark D had us swooning in 'Never too Late' and 'Giving and Receiving'. Adey gave us a glimpse of her mother in the Waft and Weft of her mother's fabric artistry and a seasonal visit to Bethlehem and the endlessness of the chores when feeding a gathering for Christmas. Amanda H gave us travel in 'Silk Route Daydreams' and seeing different lives where there are 'untouchable children to be hugged', ending with the immortal question 'Why are Men so Annoying?!' Natasha gave us the Christmas Grinch and much to think about on the subject of 'Time'. Jill finished our session suitably on the topic of the impacts of Christmas.
As you can tell, poetry is alive and kicking here in Eastbourne! We wish you all a very, very merry Christmas and please do join us in January for a new year and the amazing creativity of our community.
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