Steampunk poetry evenings are a non-negotiable date in my diary.
Last night, the first Steampunk Poetry book was launched. This enchanting compilation of local poems, by people we all know, edited by Lara Kirsten, is available at Steampunk for only R100 – hurry while they are hot! I wrote about these special evenings a while ago.
I don’t usually write poetry, and at Poetry Night read work by other poets that I love – Chris Mann, Clive Lawrence, Pablo Neruda… Last night I read my own poem for the first time. I wrote this after a short visit to Old Kilgobbin a couple of weeks ago. I was astonished at how my car followed the road with such ease, knowing exactly where to go, and, when I walked I could have done so with my eyes closed. I simply knew the way. I guess that after wandering up the same track at least once a day for 20 years, things are etched into my body. It didn’t make me sad – just amazed – and inspired to write my first poem. One may just lead to another. Who knows?
This Place is in my Bones
Each familiar footfall
Follows the road’s caressing curve.
Frog sounds echo between my ears
Jackal calls creep along my spine
Stars sit on my shoulders, and
Moon shadows cross the path.
Mud squirms between my toes as
Cold water clutches at my hips.
Memory drenched muscles.
Mostly it is the silence that has sunk into my bones
I’ll take the silence with me.
The first of many more poems, excellent, keep the words rolling, flowing. >
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Thank you Kate. The more we walk the more they will just arrive on their own, I think.
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Beautiful love it
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Thank you Morag, very kind.
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How delightfully enchanting!
20 years. The place is you and you are the place in so many ways.
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Erica! Yes, but I am going to be other places too… Like you gypsy you.
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Wonderful Nikki, resonates with my feeling about our home, also ±20years…. particularly the silence, food for inspiration and soul! Looking forward to reading more! xxx
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Thank you Christeen. Yes, actually these are Midlands memories, not confined to my ramblings in Dargle. Was fascinated at the deep familiarity when I was wandering around – unexpected.
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Hullo Nikki I love your poem looking forward to the next one. Xx
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Thanks Mel. The local poetry evening is just too marvellous for words. Took me ages to have the courage to go and participate, but I am addicted now. Have started my next poem which I think will make you smile – celebrating our Great Aunts!
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