Having friends who are poets, and being considered to be a person who knows more than just ‘a bit’ about poetry, as evidenced by having several poetry books published, means you may sometimes be asked to launch the books of other poets. This can be a wonderful and humbling feeling.
I know that is how I feel about it, for sure. I’ve been asked, in the past, to launch books, and the most recent occasion is ‘pencilled in’ to happen at the end of September. This will be the launch of a friend’s book. He is the poet, John Malone. I hope Covid constrictions will remain not too tight, but still tight enough to keep us all safe. Because I really want that event to happen, but don’t want anyone getting sick.
And speaking of John, my fellow poet, here below is a poem I’ve written today. It began as a response to something John wrote recently on his own blog, which I replied to there. It also prompted some thoughts poetically expressed, and wandering around in odd directions. Today seems to have been ‘one of those days’, when weird or at least ‘odd’ things seem to be the way.
Do you ever have days like that? Spring is coming, the plants know it, and it shows, but it’s cold outside, and looks like more rain, some time. I have a new car and have barely driven it. I want a coffee, and haven’t got it yet, Me?! Coffee is my favourite and best food group! I know the venue where that book launch is going to take place has great coffee, it was an important point when our writing group, or at least me, decided to make the Prince Albert Hotel our venue of choice, and hold our weekly meetings, and other events there.
I’ve held my own book launches there, and will do so in the future, I’m sure. A good book launch is best if there is adequate seating, so people can comfortable listen to the speaking that goes with a book launch. The reading of works from the book is important, so those present can get a ‘taste’ of what is inside the book.
The launcher will say things they like about the book, then the writer of the book will say thank you, and probably read something as well. Then people can buy themselves a copy of the book, and get it signed by the author/poet. There will be food and drinks, and much conviviality (and social distancing, of course).
And so to that poem:
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In Response to what John wrote …
The question came – I thought, and sat.
Is it metaphor or is it cat?
If feline it was, displayed in word
then rightly it was, when said it purred.
But if metaphor, without tail or fur
is it right to mention there was a purr?
I wondered, what’s the truth of that?
My mind, confused, landed, splat!
I think I’ll leave it as it is
the words are someone else’s biz.
I’ll creep away, like I wasn’t there
and settle down under this chair.
No-one will see me, if I don’t move
and if not seen, no-one can prove
I was even there, so it’s not my fault,
so to this discussion, I now say halt!
If words don’t say, but merely allude,
it’s like giving vapour, instead of food.
Understanding levels sink down, shallow –
fields of thought lay ever fallow …
Say what you mean, and mean what you say,
hold muddled thought always at bay,
to be considered wise, instead of dim.
Think first, don’t utter words on a whim.
I hope I can follow my own wise words,
not seem I’ve headed ‘off with the birds’.
Mind you, if they’d have me, I’d gladly go
off with the birds, to learn what they know …
Now I’m the one who sounds a dill!
I’ll shush up soon, honest I will,
climb out of these holes in which I’m falling
So goodbye all, coffee is calling!
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Carolyn Cordon - Creative 