Chennai tomorrow; India for the first time; a poetry festival (poetrywithprakriti.in). Eight engagements over three days, which have been thankfully reduced to five — including one in the morning mere hours after I arrive at 7.35am or so. I simply would not have been at my best otherwise. Noted Indian poets in the line-up, it seems, as well as a few familiar faces. I should be staying at the YWCA International Guest House for the duration. It looks pleasant from photos on the web, with green grounds and a roomy lounge. Not dissimilar to a govt holiday chalet in Singapore where families used to spend the Dec vacations in the ’80s. I will be bringing a ton of work to complete, and hope internet connectivity on the premises will be reliable. Inspired by the example of my dear friend, the UK-based poet George Szirtes, I aim to keep a blog of my trip there (and perhaps of future trips, both physical and mental — I make quite a few literary expeditions each year after all). It will be a while yet before I get to the level of thoughtful, ethical, critical reflection that G. S. offers in his blog, but it is a way to keep my mind on things. Or off things, as the case may be. No doubt I will evolve my own rhythm and voice over time if I manage to keep this up. At any rate, it is practice; it is documentation; it could be pleasurable. There may even be photos. Wish me luck.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 07:52:03 +0000
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