There is something very special about attending live poetry. Being witness to another human's soul searching or life observations is an honour, even if you don't particularly resonate with the poetry itself. But when all the elements conspire and time, space, character, lyricism, receptivity, emotional state, performance and environment are in alignment, a magical experience can be conjured up that will remain in your heart forever.
I saw Holly McNish reading in the tranquil setting of St Andrews Hall in Norwich a few years ago and although I was already familiar with her writing, was blown away by her unassuming nature on stage, the unforced humour in her work and the way she delivered each poem with the air of a friend sharing nuggets of gossip or heartfelt concerns across the dining table.
First Light festival in Lowestoft a couple summers ago was where I was fortunate enough to discover Salena Godden in the First Word poetry tent. When her majestic figure robed in emerald green took to the stage, spread her arms wide and began to shower the audience in effervescent words cloaked in that unmistakeable smoky sing-song voice, I knew I was in the presence of a Goddess.
Holly and Salena are genuinely two of my absolute favourite working poets so I was delighted to discover that they were featured together on the latest episode of Book Off podcast. It is a fabulous show full of fun, wit and of course great poetry. Check it out below:
