On the 19th of November, Poetry Cafe's National Poetry Day competition winners, Di Hills, Keith Willson and Fin Toner were hosted by the wonderful Kathy Harding and Tom Bonnor on the Seahaven Radio show 'Community People'.
The cold and the dark - and the seemingly endless roadworks - did not dampen our spirits as the marvellous Kathy made us very welcome and took us through our paces. The show was soon live and we were off!
The winners were able to wax lyrical about their poetry, their journey to writing and how they tackled this year's theme of 'Counting'. We learned that Di's journey started more recently than Keith's and Fin's journey has just taken its first step. The stories showed how poetry is able to fit into very different lives all at different stages and in different circumstances. Long may they continue on their poetry paths! Listeners were able to hear the winning poems read by the poets themselves.
The fabulous Tom and Kathy put everyone at ease with their warmth and enthusiasm, and soon everyone was talking like a group of old friends. A star was born in Fin Toner, perceptively revealing his insight into the power of poetry to help people through life's challenges.
The beautifully poignant and wholly relevant 'Count to Life' by Di Hills etched in equal measure, the miracle and the anxiety of pregnancy, leaving a moment of hush as the weight of the message settled at its end.
Keith revealed that his short, sharp and thought provoking poem 'Seconds Count' being placed among the winners caught him by surprise. He explained how very short poems are a diversion from what Keith more often creates. The discussion about its contrast and its powerful ending message soon showed how its place had been secured.
Finlay explained how Lockdown had left him feeling the ache of loneliness and isolation and how it was poetry that helped him get those feelings out and help him find some ease. He saw how the competition theme linked clearly to the counting of days after days and that led to his poem 'Exile'.
Pam Knapp was able to read the poems of the other two winning poems in the under18s category by Erica Franca and Lily Houghton, two poems that have the confessional quality of the binds that tie in family dynamics. Again, two worthy winners
Each poet spoke eloquently and sincerely about their experiences and their relationship with poetry and Pam encouraged any and all listeners to come and see how enjoyable the open mic evenings are and perhaps to make them a regular spot in their diaries!
The time zoomed by on wings of speed and it was soon time to give our thanks and say our goodbyes. We very much hope to return with more news of what's happening at Poetry Cafe Eastbourne in the future.
You can listen to the whole show for the next 90 days, after which it goes, making room for more recent episodes - so tune in soon!
Otherwise, you can read the winning poems, indeed all of the entries, on the tabs of our website's home page.
Comments