Moving and Masterful

Mara Bergman's beautiful set was indeed, both moving and masterful. With her dulcet New York twang and heart felt glimpses of her life, Mara's delivery was rhythmic and melodic, spellbinding and confessional,. Her poetry asked questions about people and places that transported the audience into her musings. A gathering of poets in 'The 12 of us' set the scene as the anticipated arrival of like minds unfolded and 'East 13th Street' told us of how Mara met her husband, describing the the actions and reactions of seemingly random connections that forge and shape our lives and loves. A scattering of poems featuring Mara's mother made the set intimate and tinged with golden rays of pondering nostalgia and a very human warmth, including 'What became of Judy at Chase?', a poem recalling all the people that who give a helping hand as we become older and less sure, peeling back to the sense that we are among a continuous flow of people peaking and receding; a truly impressive reading.

With a great crowd, we had in our open mic slots a range of shining gems including a very popular and politically edged Mr John's challenge that was: 'The Elephant in the Room'. some of the other shining starts on our evening's glitterball were: Peter W's 'Freedom' featuring the one and only Jack Kerouac and Keith W's poem on a Jazz legend's funeral with the band playing on. Charlotte's determination to 'fly to the land where poets' words live forever'. Alvin taught us how money is 'filthy and dirty', a lament on the decline of democracy. Carol told us of the fly's demise and Di H reminded us that 'Life is a puff of air - extinguished in a moment'. Gio showed the existential angst of motherhood in a 'Text from my Son.' Amanda gave us a little 'Alice in Wonderland' and Chris G gave us 'Rock Dreams'. Tassmin revealed the strength and beauty of a child simply being a child. Mary's poetry touched on the difficult and yet tender realities of 'Waiting for an Operation'. Sylvie shared the wonder and privilege of old friends and how growing up together forges trust and love. Nicki put our literary knowledge to the test and Keith D told us of past follies when 'Heaven and Hell are distant galaxies'. Ola melted hearts with a poem to his future daughter. Peter Welby shared a beautiful revisiting of a walk from Chalvington to Hassocks once shared with his wife. Mark D's poems of a mismatched old couple and 'Not The Shipping Forecast' raised more than a few chuckles and first timer, Stephano ended the evening with 'Weapons of Mass distraction' lyrics usually accompanied by music but wonderfully recited.

Find Mara's work and contact details on her website: https://marabergman.com/

or catch her on social media @bergmanmara