The Poet Laureate amongst us

What do you call a collection of poets? Are we a Bunch? A Rumble? It could be a League, but that gives a notion of prior connection. A Roundup? A Gathering, perhaps. In ancient Rome, we might have been a Circle, given that there were philosophers and historians co-mingling. Someone suggested a ‘hoard of beatniks’. Whatever you want to call the group, there was a Poet Laureate amongst us which is pretty special.

I’m in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia in Canada. The arts community in this small town, where the rise and fall of the world’s highest tides remind us of the inevitability of days, is greatly enriched by the work of judith S bauer and Harvey Lev who host magnificent events and offer residencies for artists.

These were the poets on the ticket over two events: Richard Dittami, Giovanna Riccio, Karenlee Thompson, Zev Bagel, Geordie Miller, Erika N White and … wait for it … drumroll … George Elliott Clarke. For those who are not familiar with George Elliott Clarke OC ONS or his work, let me enlighten you. George has served as the Poet Laureate of Toronto and as the Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate. He is a prolific writer, primarily of poetry (something in the vicinity of seventeen collections) but with novels and drama under his belt as well. To hear George read from his Canticles II was almost a religious experience.

All the poets were exceptional and I felt extremely lucky to have shared space with them. What a week!