By way of intro I head back to London in a few days, notes on a publication out soon, events coming up and a suggestion for nurturing your practice follow. So back to the good old “Smoke.” The first thing I noticed about the air here in Agadir, in comparison with the U.K., well London in particular, was how clean, fresh and lacking in that deadening humidity it is, even when it rained.
Last week I took at a tour to Paradise Valley in the Atlas Mountains. Legend has it that it was named as such by Jimi Hendrix, described as a “beautiful natural park situated around 35 kilometres from the city of Agadir dotted with rivers, palm trees and rocks…. famous for its natural pools of translucent water…”
The road runs parallel to the river that has carved this extensive valley. The river appears to have run dry for the most part and at a casual look on arrival it seemed the water levels were low in comparison to the glossy pics in Trip Adviser et al. Here a Facebook post from 2021 notes, “Paradise Valley in Agadir is coming back to life again after a severe and prolonged drought.” But for how long?
Our guide mentioned a German company wanted to buy the rights to the water source. Shudder! If drought continues it will not just be the tourist attractions effected as this report suggests, “As the country enters its sixth straight year of drought, a new report singles out Morocco as an area of “severe concern;” the water crisis threatens economic and food security with no end in sight.”
So often, it feels to me, that in an attempt to create a better world; a fairer world with sustainability, justice and equality, we are doing no more than just holding the line. We are reactive and defensive, we call ourselves “the resistance” we are often anti rather than pro.
In that context I read the following with interest. “Calls for international criminal court to end ‘impunity’ for environmental crimes.” This strikes me as a positive move. A note of optimism, a sense of getting ahead of the problems.
OUT NOW
A Darker Way by Grahame Davies
Publication date: April 15th 2024
Publisher Seren Books writes, “Grahame Davies’s A Darker Way is a second volume after a well-received debut. The collection of poems and songs which traces a hard-won but redemptive path between idealism and irony, failure and faith. Davies is a poet in the bardic tradition who speaks to and for the community, exploring what it is to be human.
“A Darker Way also includes work arising from Davies’s Welsh roots. For example, ‘Wrth Ddŵr a Thân’ (‘By Water and Fire’) was commissioned by the Senedd for its 2016 opening and references the Pierhead Building’s mural ‘Wrth Ddŵr a Thân’, commemorating the country’s coal, steel and maritime industries.
“The spiritual, even the supernatural, is never far from the surface in these poems, but Davies never settles for the simplistic. Belief and unbelief are held in a creative tension, as the poet faces ‘a mystery all the greater for the answer / a darkness all the deeper for the star.’ “
COMING UP
Monday 8th April, 6.30 – 10.00pm BST
An open Mike event By Gobjaw Poetry Collective who write,
“Welcome, Poets. The Gobjaw Poetry Collective is bringing another Open mic poetry night . Come join us for a night of expression at The George Tavern! Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a newbie looking to share your work, our open mic event is the perfect place to share your inner world. Grab a drink, grab the mic, and let your words flow in front of a supportive audience. Meet fellow poetry enthusiasts, snap your fingers in appreciation, and soak in some poetry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the Gobjaw Poetry Collective community and immerse yourself in the power of spoken word. See you there! Xoxo Goblin Gurl”
Tickets are free, book here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gobjaw-poetry-collective-open-mic-poetry-night-tickets-869883423737
Sunday April 14th 2.00- 3.00pm GMT
One for parents and kids from Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, a poetry performance that shows us that poems are made to be read OUT LOUD!
“Joseph will lead an interactive and engaging reading from his ‘Out Loud’ poetry series before penning a new poem with the help of the audience. Have fun guessing riddles, powering up your poetry skills, and discovering all sorts of clever ways to perform poetry!
The event will be followed by a book signing. Doors will open from 1:30pm. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult (reserve a free accompanying adult ticket) for the duration of the event.”
More info here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-out-loud-with-joseph-coelho-tickets-863924951787?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
NURTURING YOUR PRACTICE
Saturday April 20th 2:30 – 5:30pm GMT
Tell Me A Tale 2024 – Autobiographical Epic Poetry with Yomi Sode
TELL ME A TALE is a course for any person who is interested in developing their skills in telling stories live. Storytellers will work with Olivier nominated director and theatremaker , Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu and a number of special guests, will lead you through eight fun, energetic and revelatory sessions that will teach you how to use energy, intention, comprehension and imagination to become a better storyteller.
A blog post by Anne Enith Cooper
Find my bio here
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