How quickly it comes round, our Poetry Afternoon, when a group of friends meet to read our favourite poems. Yesterday there were nine of us and we met in the sitting room of a friend who lives high up in the tree tops on the top floor of a lovely converted convent building. Her flat looks out over the most beautiful scenery and it was a lovely day - so there was the combination of lovely poetry and beautiful views - and finally a beautiful sunset. And then, to finish off the day, as night fell we drove home with a giant full moon just rising over the fells. So, really, everything about the afternoon was poetic.
As always we had a most eclectic mix - Houseman, Masefield, Poe, Betjeman, Cope, Gray, Herbert, Donne - and lots in between. And after each poem we chatted about memories the poem had evoked, or things it reminded us of, or aspects of the poet's style, or his life. Then, finally a cup of tea and a biscuit and home again. I'm sure all of us felt better for the afternoon's activity. And really, Sophie, my friend's Jack Russell terrier, who always attends, is becoming quite a poetic dog (she'll be writing her own before long.)
Today's aros: an afternoon enjoyed is never wasted.
That sounds like a wonderful afternoon eminently well spent ... wish I'd been there!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Sounds like heaven on earth.
ReplyDeletewouldn't you love to know what sophie thinks as she listens to the careful sharing of sounds that passes between each of you?! steven
ReplyDeleteSounds like a satisfying day on every level!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting thing to do! Sometimes we meet with out neighbors to read and talk about writing.
ReplyDeleteProbably one of my favourite events at Strokestown is not the conventional readings but where a local actor reads out old poems, half-hidden in memory. I believe the Boyne Writers in Trim do something similar.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful afternoon. How I would enjoy something like that. Perhaps when we move I will be able to find such a circle of like-minded friends.
ReplyDeleteIf I lived nearby, I would be there, in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely afternoon and in such beautiful surroundings Pat. The moon has been spectacular these past few nights and the clear skies tricked me into thinking we had snow again - it was so frosty everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThis is must be very pleasant for you. And who knows, the dog will also inspire many poets among you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect and poetic afternoon, Weaver. I bet Sophie loved it all, too! Those spring flowers are indeed a welcome foretaste of things to come . . . You covered an eclectic mix of poets in one afternoon!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great time was had by all. To your credit, you seem to have a knack for making every day special!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments.
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