Poetry on the stumps

Earlier tonight, Ms. Geranium went to a poetry reading at our friend Terry's house. Of course, we got there a little late as we first had to visit Madison' Greek Fest (a thoroughly awesome event, especially if you like Greek music and food, which I do) where we were treated to the amazing Panopoulos Orchestra (sorry, I can't find a link for them). They were really, really, ummm... great! What else is there to say? They'll be there again tomorrow (Sunday). If you are in Madison, I would heartily recommend you stop by. When else will you have the chance to hear music this good for free?

Okay, back to the poetry reading. Our friend Terry has hosted these several times now, but, for one reason or another, this was the first time we were able to attend. Basically, she has a back yard with some stumps in it, she invites a bunch of people to come over and read, or listen to, poetry. It was very informal and very cool (cool as in "neat-o", the weather was rather warm). The trains run right past her house, the traffic is pretty heavy, but it didn't stop people from reading their poetry. Nice people enjoying a summer evening outside and not watching television! (If Americans start creating their own entertainment, then the terrorists have already won!) I loved it. I can't remember everything that was read, and I can't comment on what occurred before we made our fashionably late arrival, but most people just read a poem or two that they liked. Terry's daughter read at least one poem she had written herself. That was awesome. Ms. Geranium read a poem by Les Barker entitled "Spot Was Not Like the Rest". I read a Linton Kwesi Johnson poem called "Mekin Histri" and since the LKJ piece is rather serious, in an attempt to lighten things up a little, I followed it with Les Barker's "Voicemail". It was a little awkward reading the LKJ poem, as he writes in a Jamaican-british dialect, which, obviously, is not my native way of speaking, but since he writes it phonetically, I figured I ought to read it as written. I love his stuff, though, so what the heck. Hopefully I didn't mess it up too badly.

I found some Les Barker on YouTube, so here is one that includes "Spot Was Not Like The Rest", (which starts around 7:55. Oh, and when he says "zebra", it sounds like "zebbra" to us Americans) among others. It's kind of long for a YouTube video, but if you've never heard Les Barker, it's worth the time. I had the pleasure of seeing him read his poetry in person once, and he almost killed me. I don't think I have laughed so hard at any live performance before or since.




And here is a Linton Kwesi Johnson clip for any who are interested (not the one I read, which I was unable to find on the YouTubes). I have had the pleasure of seeing him perform twice in Madison: once with the Dennis Bovell Band and once reading his poetry a cappella. Both were extremely powerful performances in their own way. If you ever have the chance to see him, don't pass it up!