The first one was to open the exhibition Petite . I was quite nervous as I wrote the poem I read out a couple of hours before as I saw the artwork for the first time. It was an incredible experience, seeing the work of The ARt Tree's artists all come together, and to finally meet the artists. I am extremely excited about the future (aka past when I finish my education, finally!) because I can see some wonderful collaborations happening between the artists and their art, with my poetry. (It's still odd saying 'my poetry', I think I am still in denial that I can now call myself a 'published poet'...). The opening night was Tuesday, and today we had a 'meet the artists' do, and I read two poems from my book. (It is also strange saying 'my book'.) However, because I am an incredibly organised person and missed my bus to get to the event today, my lovely neighbours Sue and Hannah were able to come and give me a lift. Phew!
The second exhibition was for the Manly Lagoon Festival, where artists were invited to 'create' an artwork on the day of the lagoon. So I was invited to write a poem about the lagoon and the festival. This was my first official poetry 'gig', ( a few weeks ago now...) so reading that poem felt like a rite of passage in itself. Once again, the artists there were amazing and I made so many contacts! I also discovered I now need a business card to give to people. It would make life a lot easier.
So three down, one to go! I'm still pinching myself!
Also if you are interested in purchasing a book, entitled Petite, (A collection of poetry if you couldn't guess!) please give me an email at emily_mcintyre@yahoo.com. Or even if you want to say hi!
I find the following poem by Shelley quite cheeky, but charming. I suppose it may be a reflection of how I've been feeling lately!
LOVE'S PHILOSOPHY
The Fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single,
All things by a law devine
In one another's being mingle -
Why not I with thine?
See the mountains kiss high heaven
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven
If it disdain'd its brother:
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea -
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?
-P.B. Shelley from this website
The Fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single,
All things by a law devine
In one another's being mingle -
Why not I with thine?
See the mountains kiss high heaven
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven
If it disdain'd its brother:
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea -
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?
-P.B. Shelley from this website