While I was in Paris at the EMiC conference, listening to and speaking on exile in literature, the Poetry Parnassus – apparently a ‘back of an envelope’ idea, courtesy of none other than artist-in-residence, Simon Armitage – was held in London at the Southbank Centre. From the 26th of June (Tuesday) until the 1st of July (Sunday), it was a global festival of words. Poetry from around the world was read, discussed, debated and celebrated in a myriad of ways; it was, effectively, the Olympic-equivalent for poetry and poets. I would have loved to have been there when they let poems rain from the sky, but despite missing the stellar event (at least due to another literary event!), I have had the chance to stroll down Southbank since and take in the many poems lining the outer walls of the Thames. It is pavement poetry at its best. My heart particularly sang when I spied the ‘Oceania’ sign.
August 27, 2012 at 1:14 pm
That is brilliant! I love surprise poetry, when it sneaks into daily life. Lucky you.
August 31, 2012 at 8:17 am
Yes, Sarah Jane, we need more poetry integrated into our daily life! I really loved the global-ness of this outdoor exhibit – it felt so inclusive
August 28, 2012 at 8:05 am
Poetry lurking, waiting to pounce and force people to read.
Jim
August 31, 2012 at 8:18 am
Pounce! Love that description, Jim – ambush poetry with bite. It was just like that, too. I walked around the corner, and there it was
August 28, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I read about this. what a fantastic thing to do. Poetry Lives Yeah!
August 31, 2012 at 8:20 am
It did feel all rather celebratory, Helen – go the global poetry events!