Recent Meetings
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
The Poetry Group met this morning at Henley Library to read and discuss poems chosen or written by members. The first was a tongue-in-cheek verse, Apotheosis at the Signing Table, by Clive James, on book signing and approaching death, considering the choice of rhyming pattern and other poetic devices. This was followed by D H Lawrence's less structured piece, Mountain Lion capturing a moving event in a Californian canyon and reflecting on the contrast and conflict between the beauty of nature and human tendencies towards its destruction. Dylan Thomas' villanelle, Do not go Gentle was discussed both for its little-used structure and its ability to capture the emotions of a son's response to his father's imminent demise. Not to be outdone, our member, Bill Port, read his own villanelle, Sound the Bugle Loudly, - equally moving in its use of this particular form.
Thursday October 27
Following on from the previous meeting Charles Whittaker read his own villanelle, On that Day, about the death of a young man. The group examined other forms including the sonnet, looking at the structure, rhyme and metre in a variety of examples.
Thursday Nov. 24
The group had an interesting discussion of member's favourite poems at the lovely home of Clive Williams, who read a very visual poem about a visit to Oporto (Fado in Porto) and hearing that traditional Portuguese song form. Charles Whittaker shared a couple of farewell poems written for people at their leaving parties from their places of work. Poems read included work by Wordsworth (Daffodils), Yeats (The Lake Isle of Innisfree and The Cloths of Heaven) and Christina Rossetti (Goblin Market extracts).
members will discuss the links between poetry and popular song from Noel Coward to the present day. Members will bring their own choice of song to examine and discuss.
The next meeting will be held on January 26, 2017, venue to be decided (Watch this space!) Members will discuss the links between poetry and popular song from Noel Coward to the present day. Members will bring their own choice of song to examine and discuss.