Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Pablo Neruda

I have only recently come across the work of Pablo Neruda, which saddens me. A work so vibrant and unusually original should come early in one's life, so as to be savoured through the years.

And what I find in Neruda's work is a sadness - a sadness that has an intensity that bends the language. It is not a despairing sadness, but a sweet sadness that all great poetry possesses.

I also find his poetry strangely apolitical (from what I have read, which is a small selection to be sure). This was a strange discovery, as his life was very political indeed, making his being awarded the Nobel a controversial choice.

But most of all I like where Neruda takes you. It is an elsewhere that is perhaps outside time and place, and is somewhere all poets would like to be.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Launch of Sketch

On Thursday I attended the launch of issue two of Sketch, a journal in which I have two poems. Sketch is a publication featuring poetry, digital design, photography, fiction, and is a very attractive publication. The launch was held at Chaise Lounge, a bar in Melbourne's CBD. The night was welcomed in by a cool band, with an excellent vocalist. The bar had a cocktail specifically designed for the launch, which I thought was a touch of class.

It was my honour to read first. It was quite a large gathering, so I held back my nerves. My readings went well, and the others that were to follow gave me gave me a great sense of the quality of the contributors. Issue two of Sketch had submissions from as far afield as Europe and America, which I thought was impressive for a second edition.

The link here will take you to Sketch's website, where if you are interested, copies may be ordered.

A good night was had by all. The band rounded out the night. I took great advantage of the special price for the house red, and stumbled home to my goodly wife.