Beyond touch – Poems by Arja Salafranca I can think of no greater compliment to a poet than to say that you have read all the poems in a volume. Often, I dip into poetry books, reading some poems that look promising, or which particularly resonate, and pass over the rest. I read all of… Continue reading beyond touch, by Arja Salafranca
Author: regrum
Reg is a writer, researcher, former journalist and teacher
No more poetry?
I was always surprised at the number of people Harry Owen managed to entice to his open mike Reddits' poetry readings in Grahamstown. It may partly be the nature of the residents of Grahamstown. It's also that Harry's Reddits' events made poetry accessible and fun. Poetry or more accurately verse is not exactly, let's say… Continue reading No more poetry?
Gained in translation
Again, it has struck me that translation surfaces the issue of meaning in verse. When I was studying English literature, the assumption seemed to be that there was only one true reading of a literary work. Poems could, as it were, be unlocked by sufficient effort and intelligence. Our ideas of the reality of communication… Continue reading Gained in translation
The birth of a new poetry book
Megan Ross in conversation with Sibongile Fisher, at Love Books Once again, I was surprised, and more than pleasantly, by the launch of a book of poems by a poet whose work I had not yet encountered. As is my habit, I flipped open Milk Fever and chose a short poem at random and found… Continue reading The birth of a new poetry book
James Phillips, poet of the East Rand
Why does some art never leap the boundaries and time of its origins? Why does art that is locally and timeously powerful sometimes only appeal to a limited audience? These were my questions after the screening, at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown/Makhanda, of The Fun’s Not Over, a film about the life and work… Continue reading James Phillips, poet of the East Rand
Reg Rumney 