A few things:
Welcome back, Andrea at Rainbow Notebook.
My poem "Auckland" made it over The Second Hump and was chosen among Russell Streur's favourites of February.
Thirdly, February 22nd 2011 will be a day New Zealanders remember forever, I know I will. Like many poets here in NZ, and the world, no doubt, I have been moved to write several pieces about Christchurch, however, I didn't feel it was my place to post them and wasn't even sure I should voice them at all. Perhaps a sense of guilt, or a feeling of voyeurism - being so close yet privileged and distant altogether. But having spoken to a few writing friends I have been convinced I should let them be read. Therefore, when Russell Streur asked if I'd like to submit anything to a forthcoming special edition of women's poetry I sent along a few poems including a piece I'd written about Christchurch Cathedral. You can read it now over at Camel Saloon here.
My sincere thanks to Russell.
We have been hearing much about Christchurch in the news.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from the UK.
You have every right to share your distress about Christchurch, however seemingly distant, and you are not so distant. Anyone in New Zealand must feel Christchurch's pain. Even those further removed in Australia feel it. the whole world feels it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel for putting your experience into words.
Our first morning in New Zealand (2007) was spent in Christchurch, following the postcard trail of my grandmother's brother who had been there in 1909, and we had coffee and cake in the square by the cathedral - so very sad to see it fallen and all the damage to buildings and to lives.
ReplyDeleteI love that poem, Rachel. Might be one of my favorites. It is so powerful -- the only thing that makes sense falls on its knees... wow. I love it. Congratulations for the other favorite poem too. You're doing well.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your success. I understand about not posting the Christchurch poems. I wrote some after 9/11, but couldn't bring myself to expose them.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me very happy about your poetry! I was touched by Impotent. I think Russell has been a good connection for you in furthering your art. I'm going to refer my poetry loving friend Terry to your blog. She has a terrible time juggling in incredibly life, but I know she'd love your work. I will ask her to wave a flag if she stops by to say, "I'm Les's friend." Proud of you!
ReplyDeleteWell done, expression is very difficult after tragedies, and that word 'appropriate' nags away at our conscience.
ReplyDeleteYours is done very fittingly.
Joe - thanks, that's kind.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth - thank you for your support.
Sandra - 2007 was the year I moved to NZ - thank you for the connection.
Lori - thank you - that means such a lot to me.
Dave - I was much the same. Mostly I don't want to offend anyone or churn out bad/trite poetry. Thanks.
Les - I'd love to welcome your pal to the blog - send her over. And thank you.
JoAnne - it is exactly that word which I'm very aware of. Thanks.
Thanks, Rachel! and I think that's a lovely tribute to the city as well. I haven't got to the stage of being able to write much earthquake related, but a friend of mine has plans for a fundraising book of some kind, so I hope to able to contribute something to that, even if it's more of an oblique take on events.
ReplyDeleteHey Andrea, I doubt I'd be able to write anything if I were in the midst of the scene, either. The book might be good catharsis for you and raise welcome funds too. I'm relieved not to have caused offence with the poem. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Russell convinced you. This poems is very moving.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen, I'm relieved it's been well received.
ReplyDeleteImpotent reads very much like the beginning of the end of the world.
ReplyDeleteThese lines make me feel so lonely and sad:
"cars, open windowed, play out headlines on their radios," and
"...sucking nothing in their jet stream."
Congratulations on the acceptance and exposure of your poems.
Yet, life goes on, Kass. MAny people hear of disasters and feel a momentary intake, panic, empathy, and then relief; are glad it's not them - then they move on - just like those balls.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
It's a fine poem, some lovely images in there & a real aching sense of the loss and helplessness. N x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on both, Rachel. So different but both excellent.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nu. I'm glad you saw all of that.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Dick.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Very well deserved.
ReplyDeleteDave - thank you - again!
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