Surrey Muse gathering

This afternoon I was honoured to take part in the 139th iteration of the monthly Surrey Muse reading series at the Central Branch of Surrey Public Library.

Carol Tulpar, Dale Tracy, Kim Brake and Laura Fukumoto

Since I read first — a short story and the opening of my novel Unspoken History, I was relaxed and focused on hearing the presentations of the other contributors.

Large paintings by poet and painter Kim Brake were on display around the room. Pointing to one of the most beautiful, she spoke of an insight gained when she spilled coffee on the bare canvas and then immediately berated herself for “ruining” it. Expressing a human tendency we could all recognize, she said, “We see the flaw in ourselves and then we become the flaw.”

After poet and playwright Laura Fukumoto read some poems heavy with harsh realities, she shook herself off to release the energy of the words. After a pause, she waved her hands and commented, “A lot of my poetry is better in the air than on the page.”

Poet Dale Tracy talked about how poetry can suggest truths that are not explainable in prose.

“I sit in the seat of consciousness, and call its cushions small.”

“Just putting words together makes meaning in spite of us.”

In such brief lines I sensed larger truths revealed.

It was a delightful afternoon with a very engaged audience. I am deeply grateful to those who turned out so we could offer our art to a live audience.

Thanks to Carol Neuman for hosting, and above all to organizers Fauzia, Maryam, and Anne (and anyone I may have missed) for keeping this delightful series going.