Thursday Thought

Good day and a happy week to all!  Yes, I got out of the rut last week-end!  I did a few things that served to enlighten the spirit and stimulate the mind.

I took my 'jump-up' in the rain on Sunday in the privacy of my backyard.  The rain felt clean and brisk on the skin and coming from the north it had a bit of a chill on it which lent to the excitement that this child-like exercise brought.  I also attended the Poetry Day of the Writers Union of Trinidad and Tobago. This was on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the main library of Nalis http://www2.nalis.gov.tt/.

There were 3 guest speakers - Dr. Walker, Dr. Rohlehr and Brother Resistance.  Their inspiring talks gave many greater incentive to write.  All speakers used examples of various types of poems through poetry readings, some done by members of the audience, calypsoes and rapso.

I missed part of Dr. Walker's talk but I did get her notes on the various angles one could take in analysing  or writing poems.  Dr. Gordon Rohlehr gave the gathering highlights of his growth vis-a-vis the Caribbean lyrical style of poetry writing that is exemplified in our calypsoes.  He also touched on 2 of the Caribbeans' great poets Edward "Kamau" Brathwaite and Derek Walcott.  
I was in my element when Brother Resistance gave his input, being that he was a 'revolutionary' in my age.  When Brother Resistance and his colleagues brought out rapso, I was a young woman stirred to jump and dance whenever and where ever I heard that music!  The lyrics and music were aggressive and it looked at issues within our society in a different way.  It made me want to know areas and aspects of our society that I had only looked upon in passing.  It almost gave my father a heart attack when I got curious about Trou Macaque!  LOL!   Brother Resistance highlighted the need to respect the foundations (rules) of poetry writing in developing our own uniqueness as he had learnt to do, over time.  He acknowledged Anson Gonzales and others, who were founding fathers, so to speak, of the Writers Union of Trinidad and Tobago. Further, he gave a bit of history on the development of rapso music and spoke to the development of modern rap being that 'call and response' method of singing based in African culture.  And no discussion on rapso could be complete without making mention of Lancelot Layne.  

Decidedly delicious snacks were served, all prepared by members of the Writers Union of Trinidad and Tobago which were enjoyed by all present with a good exchange of ideas to top it off.  It was an inspiring afternoon.

Sunday was church where I was encouraged by the reading of Luke 18:1-8 which I interpreted as persistence will bring reward.  And now it's Monday, and, I must complete this writing to begin sowing seeds (read seeking employment).  Have a great day!