News follows of some upcoming events, publications out now and my new blog feature ‘nurturing your practice’. Apologies this is so London focused, that’s where I’m based, it’s what I know, but realise that you dear readers are from all over the world and I appreciate that so much! You are welcome to send info of events where you are and I’m happy to feature if timely. Poetry knows no borders.
First some thoughts on the present moment. Since my last diary post the world has witnessed, is witnessing, the horrors unfolding in Israel and Palestine. I want to say something about this and how I see the role of poetry and poets at a time of war and multiple crises. I am working on that.
For now I’ll just state my position as elsewhere in Twitter and Facebook, I reiterate that while I do not support Hamas and condemn their actions against civilians on the 7th of October 2023, “the war” as far as I can see did not start on the the 7th October it began in 1948 and has continued since.
I condemn the rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in the U.K.
I condemn the actions of the Israeli State in Gaza which are, as always, disproportionate. The disparity between the two “states” beyond description, suffice it to say Israel controls the movement of the Palestinian people, has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and had blockaded Gaza since 2007. This I why we/ I call for a Free Palestine.
It’s worth pointing out the Palestine solidarity protests, dubbed by the U.K. Home Secretary as “hates marches”, have held a minutes silence for the dead and injured in Israel and Palestinian and called for a ceasefire.
Humanitarian organisations across the world are arguing for a humanitarian corridor, attempting to get supplies into Gaza. At the time I write I read 20-30 lorries a day are getting through with aid compared with 500 on a “normal” day. Ask yourself why Gaza has to be supplied with aid on a “normal” day.
Join me in calling for a #CeaseFireNow
OUT NOW
Greeking is out today from Nine Arches Press who say,
“We are delighted to publish this much anticipated debut by award-winning poet Kostya Tsolakis. Moving between lament and celebration, this book explores an Athenian childhood, self-discovery, queer joy, voyages, a ‘song of exile’, the nature of motherlands and mother tongues: mesmerising and cinematic. A Poetry Book Society Recommendation.”
We’re celebrating with an ONLINE LAUNCH featuring Kostya Tsolakis and Olga Dermott-Bond (Frieze) plus special guest poet Romalyn Ante on Wednesday 1st November, 7.30pm (GMT). Please register here”
“Greekling is a dazzling and formally innovative debut” – Mary Jean Chan
There’s a new set of six posters from Poems on the Underground, if you like that sort of thing, details here
COMING UP
Thursday, 16 November
Poems Not Bombs at the Spice of Life 3-5 GMT book to attend here
NURTURING YOUR PRACTICE
a weekly poetry course, details here
https://www.outsavvy.com/event/16558/four-week-poetry-course-with-fourteen-poems
Brixton poet Matthew Caley has organised a London Seminars Course
at Somerset House, London, he writes
“Monthly seminar groups with Matthew Caley, featuring close reading, in-depth discussion and feedback on your poems-in-progress, as well guidance on your next steps as a poet and conversation around contemporary poetry. With a maximum of eight students in each group, these seminars provide an intimate setting and generate supportive and critical friendships, helping you to become part of your local poetry community.
Entry into this group is by application only. If you would like to sign up, please email administration@poetryschool.com for information and we will assist you in the application process.”
LAST WORD
Welcome news in a tragic circumstances regarding the brilliant, young poet Gboyega Odubanjo who passed so unexpectedly recently. It is reported he is to be awarded posthumous PhD https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-67240506
A blog post by Anne Enith Cooper
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