Rotorua takes running start on poetry day

29 July 2010 [Poetry] is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake – Lord Byron (1788 – 1824)

It’s National Poetry Day tomorrow [30 July] and Rotorua is taking a running start with readings from local and guest poets at the Night Market tonight [29 July].

Coordinated by poet and playwright Brian Potiki and artist Jill Walker, with support from The Mad Poets and Rotorua District Council, poetry will be recited and distributed at the Night Market, as well as City Focus and supporting cafés tomorrow.

There will also be readings from Mr Potiki and The Mad Poets at the Library Store Café on Friday evening.

RDC community arts officer Kiri Jarden says the free events are an opportunity to hear some of Rotorua’s accomplished poets in a casual and inviting setting.

“Rotorua has some fine and aspiring poets living among us, often in disguise as labourers, office workers, teachers, scientists and so on. This is a fabulous chance for the community to get an insight on the creative skills of some of our peers.”

There’s no money in poetry, but there’s no poetry in money either – Robert Ranke Graves (1895 – 1985)