It’s Poetry Friday. I love Poetry and I love Fridays, so Poetry Friday is my favourite day of the week. BUT last week, I missed posting on Poetry Friday. Awwww.
The good news is, the reason I missed Poetry Friday is because I was at the Perth Writers Festival – talking about poetry (and other bookish things).
The Festival is an annual event, and always has a wonderful programme, but the thing that made my heart sing this year was the way poetry featured so prominently across the programme – on Schools Day, on Family Day and in the general (adult) programming too. I was fortunate enough to introduce UK verse novelist Sarah Crossan to an enthusiastic audience on Schools Day, and then do an ‘in conversation’ session with her on Family Day. I also read some of my poetry in the Arts Courtyard at a lunchtime event with other poets. On the Friday, where I was a spectator for the day, I went to a well-attended session titled Poetic Sensibilities where Sarah was on a panel with Caitlin Maling, Samuel Wagan Watson and Tineke Van der Eecken.
What delighted me was the way poetry was being spoken about not just during these sessions, but also around the festival – in the green room, at social events, even in lines for the bathrooms.
So, some observations from these conversations and from listening to these awesome poets:
- Poetry is important. It’s important for lots of reasons, not the least because it makes us feel.
- Poetry should not make you feel dumb. If it does, that’s not your fault. It isn’t a test.
- If you don’t believe me about numbers 1 and 2, think back to your childhood and how you loved to listen to Dr Seuss, or AA Milne, or nursery rhymes. They made you feel good – laughing, or joining in. They may have even made you feel like you could read before you learnt to do so, because you could both predict text and also memorise it. Then think about a time when you were asked to answer comprehension questions or write an essay about a poem you didn’t ‘get’. Not necessarily the poet’s fault, but as soon as poetry becomes a test, we lose some (most/all) of the magic.
- If you find poem or a poet too obscure, don’t give up on poetry altogether. Just try a different poet. Not every poem will suit every readers, just as not every novel does.
- Poetry is not something you have to write/read/discuss in a darkened room or dusty attic. There are other poetry lovers out there – and, if you love poetry, talk about and share it. Spread the love!
I’m off to celebrate Poetry Friday by writing poetry. How about you?
(Poetry Friday is a weekly round up of poetry related blogposts by those who love children’s poetry. This week it is hosted at My Juicy Universe. )
I love Poetry Friday, too – and for just the reasons you mentioned: endless variety.
Thanks Tara. Variety is the spice of life 🙂
Love your attitude! It’s also true that some poems will be just what we need at different times, so there could be a poem that you don’t “get” at one point, but love at another.
I guess once you feel comfortable with poetry (“I’ll try a little of this, a little of that”), it is a joy rather than a burden.
Great point Tabatha. I also know that sometimes a poem which appears obscure becomes less so with repeated reading.
Lovely reflections here, dear Sally. I am part of the Program Committee of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content, and I am among the minority who constantly try to champion the greater visibility of poetry in the festival. I think it’s the soul of any literary gathering. 🙂
Thanks Myra. I am looking forward to talking about poetry at the AFCC this year, which means I’ll get to meet you, I hope!
This sounds like a fantastic experience–and I like Number 2 the best. Not only is poetry not a test; sometimes it’s best if you don’t exactly get it. Thanks for the report!
Thanks Heidi. Yes, sometimes a bit of mystery is exactly what makes a poem exciting.
“Just try a different poet.” Yes! There is so much amazing variety within the field of poetry… so unfortunate when folks report giving up on it without sampling further… like pulling an onion out a garden, and never tasting beans or tomatoes or squash or cucumbers or… thank you, Sally, for sharing!
Thanks Irene. Your onion comment made me smile – a bit of a favourite Shrek moment: ‘onions have layers!’
Hi Sally-your festival sounds delightful. I just started a poetry group with my class & have told them exactly this advice: “If you find poem or a poet too obscure, don’t give up on poetry altogether. Just try a different poet. Not every poem will suit every readers, just as not every novel does.” So, so true, especially for middle schoolers! Have a great day!
Your festival sounds wonderful. It’s so nice to connect with other poetry lovers. I find I am often drawn to a poem, at least initially, by the way it looks on a page. And yes, I do love A.A. Milne, especially.
Thanks Doraine. And yes, the appearance of a poem can be really enticing.
Thanks Linda. I am sure with your guidance your students will find poetry a joy!