WWC’s first outreach event of the year took place at the Lionsheart Bookshop in Woking on Wednesday, 16 March. The Circle’s members showcased their wonderfully skilful poetry touching upon a variety of themes. Tributes were paid to our dear friend Carla, who we will miss very dearly, in the form of a select few poems being read by the members.
Each member took turns in introducing themselves and how they came to be part of the Circle and introduced their poems and the source of their inspiration.
Peter’s chosen themeswere Woking, Rowing, Philosophy. His hit poem ‘Punk Girl at the Co-op’ was once more very well received by the audience for its light-heartedness allowing the audience to relate to Peter and his experience of that moment in time. In the second half, Peter gave the audience the ability to pick the next theme for each of his next poems. Peter’s war poem ‘The Lonely VC’ wasa historically accurate depiction of a gruesome battle that took place on the landing of W Beach on the Turkish Peninsula of Gallipoli.
Tricia’s poems, although not linked by one theme alone, were permeated by a sense of connection, between women alike in ‘Fast Girls Walking’ or between pet/cat and owner in ‘Kitty’s Present’. Kitty’s Present was exceptionally delightful for cat lovers. Tricia’s reading ended with a celebration of love lost and broken hearts as a consequence of war in her ‘Cherry blossom haiku’ showcasing rich visuals and tying each beautiful moment to that of a tragic one.
Amanda’s theme was that of Letting Go with 3 poems linked by the activity of collecting blackberries which with each poem becomes an anchoring point. The moments in life were relatable to each member of the audience which made the reading more connected. Each poem was a skilful depiction of the passing of generations and together emphasised the unstoppable journey one must make through life.
Liz had enthralled the audience with her journey into the world of poetry which inevitably let her to writing ‘Abed with 3 famous poets’. The poem itself is a discovery of self and love of poetry while at the same time learning to be creative while in the shadow of great poets.
Heather’s chosen theme was ‘Close to Home’, with a selection of light-hearted poems focused on the home/kitchen as a sanctuary. To everyone’s delight, Heather went off script and read a poem dedicated to her husband’s meticulousness and enjoyment of his activities in the kitchen and Heather’s frustration by contrast. As usual, the poem ends with a shocking twist that should have made the audience laugh nervously. Instead, the poem was delivered with such skill that the audience simply enjoyed a poem well written and well read.
Sarah took the stage and read to the audience a poem inspired by Carla’s Zoom Book Launch, ‘Poets in boxes and Corners’ as well as taking the audience through a short meditation with her poem ‘Peaceful Shavasana’. The peaceful meditative intonation coupled with the gentle sensorial experience (the dimming of lights, the softness of eyes closed) turned the poem into a physical experience to be truly enjoyed.
Simon’s poems, ‘Graduation’, ‘All Nighters’ and ‘Ephemeroptera’ although not linked by any specific theme touched upon the ephemeral nature of all thing life. ‘Graduation’ offers the switch in perspective from the experience of a young adult’s most crowning achievement to date to that of a teacher who had once been a part of such moment to now experience it from the side-line. The crowd’s enjoyment of these poems was well expressed in the strength of their applause.
The night ended with Peter’s closing thanks and remarks.
Woking Writers Circle 