Robin brings the personal touch

Reading poems from her new poetry booklet 'The Mayday Diaries', Robin delivered a magnificent set that showcased her versatility as a poet. The onomatopoeic and aural treat that was 'On Watching the Famous Poet Read on You Tube' showed this marvellously. Robin's ability to pin point an issue with raft of tiny details all wrapped in an honesty that caught us off guard was masterful and on show in 'My mother lived to 92 and never took the drugs'. We heard poems that looked back on moments from the past with the understanding of today stirring at the bones of the matter and at others our audience was spellbound with almost confessional candour: 'was it a chimney of breath balanced in my chest'. Robin's set was both moving and entertaining ('Speech') with so very many gloriously spot-lit facets on the human condition.

Having had the opportunity to look through the collection, I urge you to take a closer look and perhaps listen to one or two recordings of her readings here: https://robinhoughtonpoetry.co.uk/the-mayday-diaries/

As always, our open mic poets did not disappoint: Di Hills treated us to 'I ate a man' and was 'Trashing the world in 100 days'; David A reminded us to make the most of life and was 'Journeying Forth' and Alvin recounted some of the horrors of the Battle of Hastings in 'Over Yonder' before bringing us back to our own not so different days. Marjorie was also looking back and at the present with 'VE Day 80 Years on' asking for a time when 'each footstep leads to peace'. Carol took our summer imaginations to 'Beyond the Hill' and reminded us of the beauty of sound, warning us to think before wishing for quiet.

Peter W gave an amazing rendition of The Prologue from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales spoken fluently in a Middle English dialect as well as a gruesome description of a spider and its prey 'Turning him steadily as a spit roast'. Keith W finished our first half with an edge of the seat telling of 'a bet, a dare' of a young man diving into a canal, cameras recording. Keith also gave us Casanova on the 'Bridge of Sighs'

Our half time Mr John's challenge was 'May Nuts' and a bright gaggle of poets took the opportunity to show their ability to write a little May madness!

Keith D told us of someone who 'Wanted to Borrow your Husband, Love' and Chris G delivered a group of beautiful summer haiku and reminded us that 'Wine is a refuge from life's scores'. Andy B took up the spider theme that 'shouldered its small body towards us' at a 'Burn's Night Supper' Zara delivered a powerful poem based on her work as a counsellor for victims of domestic abuse: 'Memories cut like a knife' and 'A Bottle of Whiskey and a Bag of Secrets' Abir, first time reading at the Poetry Cafe, got a rapturous reception with his beautiful phrasing 'purple pansies with orange hues - runways' Amanda saw a dream of grim reality 'The good things there are too few'; Jackson spoke brilliantly and from the heart, of a broken heart finishing her poem with a love letter to herself. Lisa Jane conjured goddesses with her mesmerising and rhythmic poetry 'Feel like I'm wearing a storm'. Mike L ended our evening with his marvellous ability to use a borrowed tune with brand new words. Mike also shared poetry written in the grip of depression: 'Another day's demise and my survival'

A packed and appreciative house, a wonderful vibe and absolutely fabulous poetry! Do join us next month for more glorious poetry. Larry Navon is our Guest Poet, there'll be poetry, song and haiku galore!