This is the last in my series of National Folk Festival (the Nash) posts. The title of this post is taken from Canberra poet, Josh Inman’s poem, ‘I Am a Folk Festival‘, that I heard him perform at the Nash last weekend. Josh said that the moment he steps through the gate he gets a shiver, a sense of freedom. This perfectly sums up the way I feel about the Nash. Josh said ordinary people live ordinary lives. But the Nash is extraordinary. It makes everything seem possible. We can be extraordinary. So, he would rather be a folk festival. That really spoke to me. I can be a folk festival too. Is that too corny? I guess you had to be there. Read more
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge — Smile
The WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge asks us to show a smile (ours or someone else’s), or a photo which makes others smile, or both. We can also share a photo of something that has brought a moment of joy into our lives recently, or that focuses on the outcome of that joy. Here are some photos of festive bollards that make me smile. Read more
You will all be thoroughly sick of me posting about about my National Folk Festival (the Australian one) soon. I post about the Nash like a mother posts about a new baby. All. The. Time. Have I told you it is my favourite place in the entire world? Anyway, this post is about my favourite place within my favourite place — The Stock Camp.
The Australian bush and the characters that inhabit it have become the stuff of legends; they’ve entered into our folklore. The traits of these pioneers – an independent streak, larrikinism, mateship, egalitarianism, belief in the fair-go, toughness, stoicism and courage – immortalised by poets such as Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson, are meant to embody the Australian spirit. If it all sounds to be good to be true, then it probably is. Nevertheless, this spirit oozes from the Stock Camp at the Nash, and I love it. Read more
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge — Rise/Set
In honour of the National Folk Festival (Australia), which opens tonight (Thursday), I have written a little parody that I thought I would test out on you, dear Readers. I have no idea whether I will be brave enough to recite it at any of the poetry workshops. I never have before. It depends on your feedback. If you are really brave, you can try to sing along to the tune of the Sounds of Then, which was written and performed by Ganggajang (you’ll have to sing over the top of their words). I won’t be singing come performance time. I’ve provided a link to the original song below. Aussies may find this fun, but others will probably be completely flummoxed. Please note there is a certain amount of hyperbole used in this poem.
Apparently today is World Poetry Day 2018. I didn’t know that until I read it on someone else’s blog. That being the case, I thought I should hasten my review of Andrew’s McDonald’s latest book of poems, Night Music.
Campaigning by sound bites. This poem is as relevant as ever.
I have no patience for your lies; no tolerance for your excuses.
I’m hot and getting hotter. Read more
Reflections of An Untidy Mind 