Why is poetry, and the celebration of poetry, important to you?
putting words into poetry is expressing myself in a manner that i would not use in conversation. it becomes celebratory and important to me.
Is it a poet's responsibility to write engaged literature?
it depends on political oppression.
How does a poem begin for you – with an idea, a feeling, an image?
it is a combination of all three, with creativity the binding factor.
How important is accessibility of meaning? Should the reader be able to solve the poem?
i use metaphors, but not to turn a poem into a puzzle. i respect the intellect of the reader.
Why is (political) dialogue between creative people from different backgrounds and countries important and relevant?
we are from different countries and background, but is essential that there should be political dialogue, as our problems in most cases are similar.
Will you please share one of your poems, or a part of it, with our readers?
POEM
it is the eve of life's death
and i am departing with
a glow of being
my spirit ablaze with
celestial splendour
venus is a beacon
with the moon's departure
and a night bereft of stars
vibrations of a
quality undefined
gently stirs my soul
i sail serenely across
heaven's width
mind cleared of
tumultuous thoughts
wrapped i am in pacifying phrases
weaved from shreds of clouds
and i am at peace
my journey taking me
to a destination unknown
the odyssey is not fear-filled
as i will be welcomed
on my arrival at
a terminus destined
before my departure
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A man of talent, compassion and remarkable integrity, James David Matthews, The Dissident Poet, was born in the Bo-Kaap nearly 87 years ago. |
The dancing in other words / dansende digtersfees is an annual international poetry event, curated by Breyten Breytenbach and Dominique Botha, and composer Neo Muyanga. The 2016 festival will take place on Saturday 7 May. Click here for more information.
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Al singende en dansende na die Spier Digtersfees 2016
“Die fees sal weer eens ’n bevoorregte ruimte bied vir die vervlegting van stemme waar ons sal droom asof ons vir ewig gaan lewe.” – Breyten Breytenbach |
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