…and musicians, I should add. A Californian (of course) had the idea to hold a simultaneous global event where poets (and musicians — they were organized separately, I think) would all come together on the same day to share their work in the name of peace. The event was called 100 Thousand Poets for Change and the day was this past Saturday, September 29. For me, the place was London, in a meeting room overlooking the Thames.
I was a bit nervous, to be honest. I really didn’t know what I was getting into and it all sounded a bit “touchy feely” for someone like me, born and bred in New York. But I have been getting more politically active lately, something which is starting to be reflected in my work, so I decided to take the chance and go along.
I’m so glad I did. I spent the evening in the company of about thirty other poets and musicians, and poetry and music lovers. The poetry part of the event was hosted by Rakesh Bhanot, a new Facebook friend and the editor of a new magazine called Asian Global Impact (more on that soon). There was poetry by Donall Dempsey, Janice Windle, Jazzman John and others, ranging from the heart-breaking and serious to the silly and wild. There was also excellent fiddling, and some truly innovative flute playing which was heard against the backdrop of video installations, films and electronic music. All of it was interspersed by Rakesh’s haikus, and lubricated by bottles of wine.
Like-minded people coming together with a serious purpose, sharing their art and having fun. That in itself would have been worth the night out. But multiply it by over 800 events in 115 countries, much of it streamed live over the net, and you do have something special, I think. Did we change the world? No. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t accomplish anything, and even this old New Yorker has to admit that. I was glad to be a part of it.
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