When I am preparing to announce that I am a poet or have written a new poem or am reading a poem, I find myself searching for a way to say it without employing the words “poet”, poetry” or “poem”, because I know it will deter most people from reading or listening or giving the announcement any respect or even interest. Underneath it all, when I go public with it I feel defensive; I am embarrassed for my art. I find myself wondering if this has to be so.

The poet has through history often occupied a place of incredible power, as witness Celtic clans that, having to choose between fighting the rival clan’s poet or best warrior, would chose to fight the warrior, as there was more chance of victory against the sword than the words; hence the expression, the pen is mightier than the sword.

How we have fallen! In this age, if you say there will be a poetry reading, Continue reading →