An evening of poetry was a showcase of work by those who have written for the English Department’s online magazine Route 57, as well as work from the Creative Writing MA.
It was a modest turnout for the poetry reading, conversation and the chance to share your own work in an open mic section. This was an event for the Curious festival, which is a programme of engaging events that is open to students and the public, running from Mon 12 to Sun 25 of April.
There were two guest poets Ben Wilkinson and Helen Mort, both new talents based in the city of Sheffield. For me, they were high points in an altogether mediocre evening. Ben Wilkinson was charming and articulate, while Helen Mort added elegance. She was poised and honest; and after hearing her poetry it was clear why she received an Eric Gregory award from The Society of Authors in 2007.
Poetry is a personal and subjective art form; this evening was not to my taste. However others enjoyed the informal, friendly meeting of poetry writers and listeners. Much of the other poetry showcased was clichéd and obvious, a little political, there were scenes and memories of Yorkshire and other poems that were consciously about the poet or poetry. There were some pretty phrases and the occasional chuckle from the group, but little that stayed with me as I left Firth Hall.
What the evening showed is that there is a certain truth in the idea that poets are not usually performers as well, and why should they be? Most seemed nervous, unsure of their words and self-deprecating. There was no authority and little ego, but there wasn’t the poetical content, or style for ego to be welcomed.
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