Oral and Written Tradition of Modern Bards

I thought I would take a moment to comment and acknowledge the wonderful literary wizards in our community. Whether it’s the awesome tireless and inspiring Writers Federation of Nova Scotia that always keep me on my writer’s toes, ha ha, Circle Magazine, the Open Heart Forgery, the Blowhard event, the people who love to read poetry -and are brave enough to write and share their writing at the Open Heart Forgery, or at the bookstores that sell books. This lovely vibrant community all share a common goal: to enjoy and appreciate poetry or fiction and keep an oral tradition alive that dates back centuries. Long way back when, bards were the entertainers. They played instruments and memorized whole poems that were probably longer than we could manage today. Today we still recite poetry and write songs, honoring a time-worn tradition.

Creating words for songs and poetry or a short story is an act of magic. Not every writer waits for inspiration but when it strikes, it is magic. The pen, or quill, flows lucidly and the words pour onto the page like honey. Most of the time my muse is sleeping off a drunk somewhere in an alley but she occasionally sobers up for a visit to me. I have attended a number of events lately within the last few months and have seen the magic come alive. I love those moments when I see people who are brave enough to share their talent and energy and writing. I like hearing the different poems or stories. Sometimes they remind me that I should not take life so seriously. Sometimes the stories are touching. There is a lot of talent in this province. I also admire the energy and dedication by those who organize the events every month or every week. And no matter the weather or time of year, the diehards arrive to share their energy. I know a snowstorm may not keep me away.

Even at a table at a cafe, when people are discussing literary pursuits and sipping decadent lattes, the magic presides. I was at the farmers market last week where I remember hearing the conversations about books that I sense I must read or die. I remember when there were more poetry readings in Halifax and there were more cafes such as Cafe Ole, Cafe Mokka, Great Gatsby’s where writing was shared. Downtown Halifax has become more corporate but you can’t squelch the voices of the bards. They will just go underground- find a way.

Open Heart Forgery is one of those voices rising from the ashes of the phoenix. The poetry scene is alive with magic again thanks to the tireless dedication of those involved. I can’t wait to see the anthology that my poems and others will be appearing in. I am excited about it. It is an example of the energy and dedication the bards way back when may have experienced. I wish Open Heart Forgery much future success and hope it continues in success. I wish the same for all the other organizers, hosts, and writers out there.

As a side note, to show how serious I am about bards and tradition, I have beautifully bound my own Book of Shadows. This binds in your own power and energy and collects power over time. See the photo above.