What an evening! A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere filled the room where art inspired poetry was shared, absorbed and savoured by an appreciative audience. So much variety and so much talent. It never fails to amaze me just how spectacular poets are at cutting to the very core of meaning with such eloquence and such authenticity.
The evening was a veritable cornucopia of art inspired words, wit and wisdom!
Brian Docherty's poems rang of Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Irises and were in good company with Phillipa Coughlan's 'Colours to hear my torment' . Peter Wellby shocked with his chilling retelling of Browning's, My Last Duchess and Bruegel's world was spot lit by Peter Watham in admiration of 'Winter in the snow'. Larry Navon showed what words, letters and images can do together and Gainsborough and Demeter were welcomed to the room by Chris Goode.
Poems linked to the Turner Prize nominees exhibited at the Towner Art Gallery were read by Zara Luther, John Myers, Pam Knapp and Amanda Hill. The exhibition had such an impact on our community that the poems they inspired along with their backstories and the significance that they hold for those who look on them, were read with such profound messaging that was palpably moving.
Hastings Stanza with Antony Mair, Jackie Hutchinson and Robin Houghton delivered a wonderful set of humour, depth and beauty. John Wright responded to Black square, White on White by Kazimir Malevich. with his trademark deftness.
Completing the evening were Terri O'Neal who read her 'Skyscapes' and William Chasseaud fought with the mic's technical issues to triumphantly deliver '18 years of age - Paris 21 years of age Florence'.
Not all of the poems that were read are cited here but the evening was a wonderful success due only to the skill and warmth of the Poetry Cafe community and those that support us by coming along to the open mics as audiences, as guest poets and as open mic-ers. Thank you, thank you to you all!