How Simon Armitage changed my life
With such a large selection of poetry readings to choose from at the 2011 Wenlock Poetry Festival, I was grateful for Di’s help and patience as I made my choices whilst sitting in the ‘Ticket Office’ in the roof space of ‘Wenlock Books’ (I have always wondered where those stairs went to). Along with three other events, I managed to get the last two tickets for Simon Armitage.
After hearing Simon Armitage read a selection of his poems, I am a changed person. I have had an insight into a new way of looking at the world. I even feel inspired to try and write poetry myself! I am in awe of his ability to express himself so concisely, yet beautifully. And I will never think of Dolphins in the same way again, for years I have been fooled by the “winning smiles” of those “pickpockets of the ocean”.
Of course I had to buy the book, I felt compelled to have my own copy, to be able to read it again and again, to feel inspired again and again.
If you have never attended a poetry reading before, perhaps you feel it would be a stuffy affair, please try it next year. You will laugh, you may cry, you will certainly wonder how, in so few words, the poet can take you on such a journey.
You will not be disappointed.
Karen Leurs
17 May 2011