leah
Thu 30th Oct 2014 09:32
REVIEW: WRITE ANGLE'S OCTOBER EVE- THE INIMITABLE BRENDAN CLEARY – AND MORE...
Brendan Cleary started with having 'Woke up in Czechoslovakia after a splitting headache from 80% vodka, he is speaking the language, has a beautiful Czech wife and three beautiful Czech children, a Czech house..., and having read Kafka in the original and Philip Marlowe in translation....' not knowing how it happened....It's obvious Brendan loves performing, loves people and loves writing poetry. Hard to separate one from the other. He 'is' his poetry. From 'I never met anyone named Steve, to his unreciprocated 'love affair' with Kylie Minogue, to tender poems about his dead brother, Martin, (called 'Faceman or Facey or Big Face)' – his adoration of Manchester United,...he includes a quote by Ian Hamilton, 'Did he think poetry at perfect, could bring back the dead'. Brendan believes 'Yes, the Faceman is back with us'.
He's a powerful, yet gentle poet who reads with a strong lilting Irish dialect – a big man who moves around a lot 'I'm not photographical', he smiles warmly, 'That way I can't be caught'. His language is simple and honest. He performs each poem like prose, yet seeing his poems written, you see how concise and profound they are. He has an intimacy with language that can address incomprehensible loss with profound clarity. 'Wait till you hear his Nina Simone poem' Barry Smith, Chichester Open Mic, whispered, – and I waited for 'It's Our Dance', 'Every Sunday I play Nina Simone's 'my baby just cares for me', and with a different flower in your hair every week, you spring out from the bar, and I leave the mixing desk and we dance with our hangovers....and for a few precious moments, it's as if we have all swallowed the moon and everyone is lighter and the world might not ever end'. 'There are pubs that have 'happy hours', he said, 'but I drink at unhappy hours'! 'People are my friends and they matter'! Brendan brings humour, pathos and love (betting at the track as well). We highly recommend you see him if you can, and buy all his books, including 'Face'.
Following, Erfran Deliri, (Iranian) from Tasmania, now on UK tour, told in poem and prose how he lives in a cabin in the woods, sometimes not seeing anyone for weeks. (If Brendan never met a Steve, he did as Erfan produced his new book, 'Estaban's (Stephen's) Conclusions)' . He talked of being a 'p/t lover and a f/t hater', and tried to hang himself. His father, imprisoned at 17, was then exiled. In 1984, brought his family to Australia only to hear, 'Why should this country take in a useless immigrant'. 'We were swimmers in the world of return to the soul of the universe. We are the flying fish of these eternal waters'. A strong poet with a mission. 'Ten thousand moments of hindsight will never amount to a single moment of clarity in the present....' A good poet with much to say.
Helen Whitten did 'Anthology', a clever and lovely poem, inspired by the books Howard Jacobson would never give away- which got her thinking which books helped form her life. 'Starting with 'Walter de la Mare, then Byron, Yeats, Pascale...'Who's that knocking at my door', to Pasternack, 'who's that crying at my door'...an infant son who died. Now she wonders 'which poet will next direct my hand, inflame my heart'. Dave Allan, now a professional poet, performed 'Flush Me Gently', (inspired by 'One Tree Books' toilet), 'I will turn the other cheek. Leave me up or leave me down. Just flush me gently'...clever, well performed as ever by our 'latest open mic star'.
Richard Hawtree, as oblique as highly descriptive, and interesting to listen to, did 'A burning of Sappho's coins AD1023 – a story made up in the Renaissance – the burning of Sappho's poems. Then read 'Vespar Vulgaris'. Last summer 1915, a vast number of wasps – the Queens appeared...(to do with former Dragons boss Paul Turner, a serious contender to become director of rugby at cash-strapped London Wasps – we wonder but doubt...). Caroline Blackburn then performed 'You know what Thought did'. 'He removes you from what is seen by mankind'. Would like to see more of her work.
Brian Clarke did a highly evocative World War I poem, 'Remembrance', well received by the audience – 'I don't know where he was born..if his name was Wolfgang, Hanz or Fritz...but I remember his blue eyes... a throbbing silence...his helmet falling...' A strong piece of work. Barry Smith, of Chichester's Open Mic, did 'Transubstantiation', about Elvis on the rise at Bryston. 'I know it was him. He was separating the twin black sheep from the herd. (what is real and what isn't?) Then, 'Antigone', 'a dysfunctional family, including a rebellious adolescent, murder, incest, crackdown of adult authority – no, not Coronation Street – summarising the story of Antigone, daughter of Oedipus'. Barry amazingly does it again! Bringing history to the present in his inimitable style.
Chris Sparkes followed with 'Strong Hooch', summoning random flashes of memories - his brother found hanging on a shoelace; being called 'a hippie academic', fishing, winning at arts festivals, jazz ...being shown man doesn't have a soul...' nostalgia in poetic form! Very good poem. Richard Davies, who restores houses, then did 'Cousteau in a Car' exploring birds (as flying fish) imaginative and well done. Then, 'Fish in Stone', where he describes a relic he found. 'Death has such strange dominions'. Interesting and creative ideas! Audi Maserati sang to his guitar, making it sound 'mystical', called 'The day Franz Dostoevsky found the original transcript of Voltaire's 'Princess of Babylon' in the inside pocket of his second best suit'. (if you didn't guess, that was the title) Then, 'Enough is Sunshine', describing 'A tree is not a forest. A grain of sand is not a beach' lovely song, well sung as only Audi can do.
James Philips, aka Philip Javens, back after a long break, played 'My Funny Valentine' on his keyboard, as well as 'something lost that can't be found again', inspired by d'Angelo,. Good playing. His music was wonderful. We hope he returns soon.
Lastly, Sven Stears, soon to start his own slam/open mic called 'Inkbomb', in Kent – we'll keep you posted – did '3434' about a poet who's a rebel wanting to stop all restraints, growing up with his poetry, and ending with 'no poem can stand on its own. It needs the audience to get it to 10. The audience was invited to join in, and they did.
The raffle for free meals for two at 'Fez', the local Turkish restaurant, was won by Phyllida Carr. Another good and full night was had by all, and we're looking forward to Patience Agbabi as our November guest. Another great performer!
Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 21 Oct 2014 (event)
<Deleted User> (5011)
Thu 30th Oct 2014 08:05
I saw him and Roger McGough in the Liverpool cathedral crypt performance a few years ago. Whilst both were excellent, it was Patten who come across as the real poet, less flash, more considered.
Comment is about 'When you're very young it's not hard to change the direction of your life': Write Out Loud interviews Brian Patten (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (5011)
Thu 30th Oct 2014 07:59
This is a wonderful review Laura, superbly crafted.
Comment is about Fishing in the Aftermath: Salena Godden, Burning Eye (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I'd sooner be without my guzunda than my guzinta.
Comment is about RELATIVE VALUES (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Hi Natalie
I love the simplicity of this. It says it all in just a few words. Just....because
Great
Comment is about It Is What It Is (blog)
He wrote a beautiful poem called 'The Armada' which can be found below.
www.poetryarchive.org/poem/armada
I met him briefly outside the Liverpool Philharmonic pub a few years ago. Odd circumstances as he was sharing a pint with a friend downstairs and I was with a few fellow poets upstairs being paid to address a group catholic leaders at a dinner. Surely a mix up.
Jason T Richadrson had a photo taken with him and a few of us chatted. He grabbed the book I was reading from (my own) and signed it. At the end of the night I looked to see what he wrote...it was a lovely message.
A very nice man and a super poet.
Comment is about 'When you're very young it's not hard to change the direction of your life': Write Out Loud interviews Brian Patten (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
To my mind this is much better Natalie.
Comment is about The Dark Night of My Soul (blog)
Greg - good to know. Many thanks for taking the
trouble to include that information. May all such
events prosper and provide pleasure. God knows,
we could all benefit from being cheered up!
Comment is about Two poets share £10,000 Manchester Writing Competition prize (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Nice one Natalie :) I can totally relate. I'll prepare like a mad woman: clean house top-to-bottom, grocery shop, arrange fresh flowers, cook a big meal, get excited and anxious all at once...my friends finally arrive and have a blast for a few hours...then it's all over. Haha
Comment is about Pre-party (blog)
Thanks guys for your kind words. It's good to know that some can relate :)
Comment is about Pre-SocialMedia Times (blog)
Original item by Candice Reineke
<Deleted User> (9882)
Wed 29th Oct 2014 11:37
I enjoyed this one as well Steve.Great poem.x
Comment is about Love Isn't (blog)
Original item by Steve Higgins
cheers for the comments on do you remember heart and soul and the costa coffee.
i love this poem, as has been said before love the characters, took me back to when we sat with my grandparents and listened to them putting the world to rights...
Comment is about TWO 'AULD 'UNS SAT ON A BENCH (blog)
Original item by jean lucy thompson
Just popped in for two minutes and you hooked me in with this interview. What a fascinating interview and life story. I love his expression of the fact that poetry is for everyone, not just academics.
I need to read more of his work!
Comment is about 'When you're very young it's not hard to change the direction of your life': Write Out Loud interviews Brian Patten (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
brought back memories haha well written loved it
Comment is about Deansgate Bridge (blog)
Original item by dazzer
Travis Brow
Wed 29th Oct 2014 06:41
Thanks M.C.
Comment is about HARBOUR LIGHT. (blog)
thanks for your comments andy i appreciate the encouragement. particularly like this one. seems odd to say i like or enjoy it, just think it well written and direct
Comment is about For Stefan Kiszko (blog)
Original item by Andy N
All is not yet lost, MC. Cafe Writers are offering £100 for the funniest poem. Not £10,000 admittedly http://cafewriters.co.uk/home/news-2/poetry-competition/
Comment is about Two poets share £10,000 Manchester Writing Competition prize (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hi Isobel - I'm inclined to believe there's
something of the "Hollywood Pretentious" in
poetry these days. Putting rhyme aside,
with the knowledge that some of the most
serious stuff written used its format, the idea that tears and fears are more important
than levity and lifting the human spirit
needs to be addressed.
Laughter is surely essential to the human
condition and the skills needed should be
recognised and given due prominence.
The prevalence of doom and gloom in much of what is produced is, perhaps, due to the
absence of an ability to create the opposite by those who participate in these
competitions as judges or entrants.
"Profound" may be worthy but it can also be a
false and depressing premise indulged in for its own sake. The "challenge" today is not to my intelligence but to my patience.
Comment is about Two poets share £10,000 Manchester Writing Competition prize (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Always thought of him as being wonderfully melancholic in a happy sort of way. Maybe it's just the voice. A lovely man.
Comment is about 'When you're very young it's not hard to change the direction of your life': Write Out Loud interviews Brian Patten (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (6895)
Tue 28th Oct 2014 10:53
A lovely,lovely,honest and heartfelt poem.xx
Comment is about In Memoriam KS (blog)
Original item by Cecilia Kovacs
<Deleted User> (6895)
Tue 28th Oct 2014 10:49
All too true Steve.In our estimation,REAL love is something one has to be prepared to die for.
Thankfully,in considering that observation,we two
have decided to remain just good friends!
-haha!
Stay well squire.xx
Comment is about Love Isn't (blog)
Original item by Steve Higgins
This is intensely written but I would have preferred it in shorter lines for balance.
Well done Natalie
Graham
Comment is about The Dark Night of My Soul (blog)
Cheers you two :)
Well, if I was, Candice, it did me absolutely no favours! Ha ;)
Comment is about Cashflow Fiasco (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Isobel, thanks so much for your comments on "Pre-SocialMedia Times". No doubt our virtual lives are here to stay, but it's nice to pretend that the technology hasn't even been invented yet, and to focus instead on the person/loved ones right in front of us...at least every once in a while :)
Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)
Original item by Isobel
Where there is life, there is hope...so goes the
old adage. We go from day to day with that old
reassurance to cling to - otherwise there would
seem little point in going on. The Good Book
would have us believe that charity is better but
without hope to help us survive, how can there be charity?
These lines are typically thoughtful and stimulating from this contributor.
Comment is about BEASTS (blog)
Original item by Ian Gant
Agreed :) And sounds like the social media craze is about the same in England as it is here.
Comment is about Alexandra K. Parapadakis (poet profile)
Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis
The pleasure and security of "home and hearth"
in an increasingly frantic world neatly summed up here.
Comment is about HARBOUR LIGHT. (blog)
And thanks so much for your comment on "Pre-SocialMedia". I'm a big fan of your work, so the compliment means even more coming from you.
Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Ha! I enjoyed how playful you were with this one, Laura.
"Standardised carrot size?
Shove it
where the sun don't..." - that gives me the impression that perhaps you were the smartest kid on the playground :)
The Tesco scandal I guess would be like if Walmart was involved in a scandal over here...that would be a huge deal!
Comment is about Cashflow Fiasco (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
thanks for your recent comments on 'Aldgate Tube Station' and 'Afraid Of The Dark' Harry - very perceptive in both cases.
The Aldgate station one was prompted by 2 articles in the Independent, one about the construction of the station over plague pits and the other about the ebola outbreak - it seemed too macabre a possibility not to try and tie the 2 events up.
As for 'afraid Of the dark' I was starting to doubt the subtlety, or not, of the device I was using to get the story (and twist) across - you have restored my faith in the use of subtle devices :-)
cheers
Ian
Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)
Original item by Harry O`N eill
YES! Harry - that's exactly where the clue is - thanks for commenting :-)
Comment is about Afraid Of The Dark (blog)
Original item by Ian Whiteley
Excellent - some beautiful wordplay in this, although I wonder why the capitalising of each new line. The story itself is intriguing and I love the detail about the cat wars :)
Comment is about Waiting for Nancy (VII) (blog)
Original item by Gray Nicholls
Fantastic poem, in so many ways. The basis of it (which I totally agree with), the execution, the layout, the syntax. A really impressive piece.
Take me back to untangled times - one of the loveliest lines I've read for a while that.
Efff it. Let's tuck it - very clever :)
Comment is about Pre-SocialMedia Times (blog)
Original item by Candice Reineke
Thank you for the nice comment on 'Scoliosis' :-)
On the topic of 'Pre-Social Media times' I think the extent to which social media dominates our lives is definitely dependent on our location and it's culture. Yet I think it has greatly effected the majority of western societies! I live in England :-)
Comment is about Candice Reineke (poet profile)
Original item by Candice Reineke
Brilliant - I totally agree! I've been to a restaurant with friends to find my phone telling me I've got an email, to then find that it's a picture of me sitting there in a restaurant that's now on facebook. I only had the phone out of my bag cos I had problems going on at home...
But really - what's the point? How much less do you enjoy other people's company, if you are forever looking at a phone?
Seize the moment, seize the day - and only when you are totally bored, or have 5 minutes you don't know how to fill, go on social media!
Comment is about Pre-SocialMedia Times (blog)
Original item by Candice Reineke
Love the parallels and twists in this Dave - very thought provoking!
Comment is about Risky business (blog)
Original item by Dave Bradley
I don't think anyone stands a cat in hell's chance of winning anything with humour and rhyme MC, much as I love it myself. It's the same in performance poetry slams - no matter how good the material is, it just doesn't stack up against the serious stuff - and maybe that's the way it should be - as humans, I think we are wired to 'care' more than we are wired to laugh.
Perhaps there should be a special category and competition for humorous poetry?
Comment is about Two poets share £10,000 Manchester Writing Competition prize (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
The title was my mother's choice, she chose it in Hungarian and this is the translation. Now that my my personal life is somewhat on public view, I might as well share the information that my mother wrote a very interesting "counter-poem" to me, that addressed my father's personality in a very different way, the way only a wife can see a man. I am not going to publish or translate it, neither go into more details about it though.
Comment is about In Memoriam KS (blog)
Original item by Cecilia Kovacs
Haha Tommy, yeah who knows what a night out with the two of us could end up looking like. Sorry to hear about the epilepsy, but glad you now know what the issue is. Yes, for me it's type 1 diabetes...almost impossible to get the insulin dose just right every time because there are so many factors involved. Again, loved how you captured the out-of-control feeling.
Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Glad to hear someone else can relate to "Pre-SocialMedia" :) In what part of the world do you live? I'm curious if perhaps this issue is more pronounced in certain geographic locations than others.
Comment is about Alexandra K. Parapadakis (poet profile)
Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis
Re "It" hmm haha touché
Comment is about Candice Reineke (poet profile)
Original item by Candice Reineke
Beautiful, Alexandra. Great imagery and levels of meaning. "though it no longer shelters her from the rain, it can still fit in her hand..."...good stuff! :)
Comment is about Scoliosis (blog)
Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis
Candice, you have it sussed. In my case epilepsy (a recent development) along with several types of dysphasia. But I am quite the "bonvivaunt" at social gatherings. Low blood sugar...diabetes? I could imagine us together on a night out (or shopping in Tesco's) and having simultaneous equations!
Comment is about Candice Reineke (poet profile)
Original item by Candice Reineke
Lena Norman
Sun 26th Oct 2014 20:15
Hi Guys,
Thank you so much for the promotion, unfortunately the dates you have on here are wrong. Please take this advert down, I will happily send over the accurate date of our next event. We had someone show up to our venue this evening expecting to share some work with Poetic Release and we had to inform him that the event was on the 28th of September. Though we sincerely appreciate the sentiment and do need the promotion we ask that the dates promoted are accurate to ensure that no one is misled. I felt rather sorry for the guy that came from Norwood today. This is not a good reflection on us, kindly take down this advert and I'll forward any future events to you for promotion.
Kind Regards
Review is about Poetic Release on 26 Oct 2014 (event)
<Deleted User> (9882)
Thu 30th Oct 2014 12:54
concise-to the point,and-
wonderfully open ended!
jeez! I've actually got off my prim posterior and commented(deservedly)on one of your poems!
Love'em all despite my laziness anyway.
Nice one Natalie.x
Comment is about It Is What It Is (blog)