We know ...

I had some friends over for another port and poetry evening around the fire last night. So lost was I in the actual moment that I completely forgot to take a photo of it, so all I have is the living memory and the aftermath the next morning.

I shared a poem which is really a poem about why people respond to poetry and what sharing it can mean (and poetry set to music can be even better). It’s the reason very why I like having port and poetry nights – it’s an opportunity to get a little further below the surface to the depths and recesses. And sometimes after a poem has been read there’s a silence where no-one really knows what to say, but that is quite alright. You can just sit and absorb it and add it to what you know of the person who read it. This poem is by Bruce L Smith, who hasn’t been mentioned here in a while.

We know ... In response to a presentation of Jeremy Nelson’s poetry

Poet and player combining their arts; in double mode they explore those depths and recesses in ourselves where privacy stands guard and beats back every facile or unfelt word.

This spoken word and chosen chord come not as strangers to these depths where hurt and grief crouch in soul-shadow. They stir in us the echo of their truth.

We are drawn into silent sharing: flesh gives passage to Spirit — true communion. The musician’s skills has confirmed the poet’s word and we receive with familiar privilege its fragile burden and gently breathe we know ... we know ...