Thirsty for a change, I jumped at the invitation to attend a poetry book launching Friday night. I prayed that the launching would be as exciting as it sounded. It was, and then some.
This weekend was one of the most enjoyable ones to date since moving to St Vincent. It started Friday night with attending the launching of the book “ Seen and Heard” an anthology of art and poetry by Vincentian women. Let me repeat that, AN ANTHOLOGY OF ART AND POETRY BY VINCENTIAN WOMEN. This is pretty groundbreaking for the country. It turns out this event was the manifestation of an idea birthed in 2009 after a group of creative minds gathered to share their talents with others. The launching was hosted by the Embassy of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in conjunction with the Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family Affairs, Gender, Youth Sports and Culture and the National Council of Women.
I was in awe most of the evening. To be in the presence of so many passionate, talented, progressives souls was a very uplifting experience. To see the result of various entities collaborating in efforts to create a living breathing work of art that will impact generations from here on out left my heart on high. I was moved, simply moved.
One of the highlights of the evening was being informed that Simmony Azul Urdaneta, a special guest from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was conducting a FREE poetry workshop the following morning. SOLD.
During the book launching ceremony Sister Nel mentioned that she was a “closeted poet” who has “scribbled for years” but recently decided to share her work with others which resulted in one of her pieces being published in the book. I began to wonder what could come of my own scribbles if I put a little more effort into shaping them into pieces of work to share. I also felt it would be a wonderful opportunity to connect with other individuals locally that are a part of the creative community in SVG. The poetry club I started last year could surely use as much support as possible from local artist. So I jumped on the opportunity and attended the workshop!
I entered the workshop with an open mind, no idea what to expect but willing to take whatever I could get from the opportunity. Simmony has such a friendly, calm, soothing way with people. After admitting that she is not 100% comfortable speaking English in formal gatherings, I realized this would be just as much of a learning experience for her as it would be for the participants.
The workshop was from 9-3. Catered by the Embassy, I must say the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela surely knows how to treat their guest ( food, food and more food)!! About 8 participants took part in the workshop, perfect size. The day included a series of exercises exploring various topics and writing techniques. Each person shared their work with everyone else at the end of the exercise. The final activity was to create a collective poem titled Poetry. One person starts with a line and folds the paper to cover what they wrote, the next person adds a new line and it continues until everyone has contributed. The final product appeared to be the work of one person, the power of the collective conscious in full effect.
After this weekend, I feel a sense of calmness with the worries of not fitting in. Just like moving to any new place, we all have to allow time for things to settle. Finding your niche, your little pocket to immerse yourself into might not jump out at you right away. This weekend reminded me that by following my heart, doing things I enjoy, connecting in an authentic way with those I encounter will continue to lead me right where I need to be. The right time, the right place, creating a space where I am comfortable just being. With patience and compassion for myself and others as I appreciate the simplicity of that which is, I am able to allow this experience to remain boundless , growing beyond any constraints that I or anyone else may attempt to place on it.
Here is the piece the group created Saturday: ( each line is a different person )
Poetry By the group
Poetry is an expression of you inner self
The expressed consciousness awakened from life’s experiences
The emotional expression of thoughts pulled from within the depths of your soul
A road to self realization
It is the inner expression of who I am, human being with feelings of love and passion
My words pave the way, your dreams follow. Open your mind, allow our hearts to dance, hear my voice- we are united as one.
The feminine energy birthed this today: Life, Body Home. Nature in its boundless grace. Love pours from the heart. For this, let us give thanks.
Because WE, all nurture, I
Less, more, speaking? No, writing words over and over
And IT is ALL.
