Transition Culture

19 Dec 2007

Can Poetry Save the Planet?

I wouldn’t know the answer to that question, but I certainly feel more open to the possibility following an event organised recently by the Transition Town Totnes Heart and Soul group called **Poetry in Motion** (“an evening of words to move, inspire and uplift”) which featured Drew Dellinger, one of the most respected and admired performers in the field of deep ecology / awakening / planetary work, and local Totnes poet Matt Harvey, who recently also performed at the TTT first birthday party. The event was a huge success, and I had the huge frustration of already being committed to teaching my evening class in the room next door, and being able to hear the laughter and applause through the wall but needing to focus instead on teaching about varieties of walnut and forest garden design. I thought I would never be able to hear the event.. but it turns out I can….

The new Totnes-based online radio station Traydio (“air to share”) has recently posted both poets’ sets, which you can now listen to online. They are a wonderful contrast, Matt Harvey’s presentation often veers close to standup, and includes a beautiful poem about his children among other things. Drew Dellinger, on the other hand, weaves astonishing wordscapes, burning with rage about what is happening to this planet, and often creating very powerful and moving stories that take in the cosmos and are often quite beautiful. They complement each other wonderfully.

Also on the site is an interview with co-founder of the TTT Heart and Soul group Sophy Banks which offers a very interesting insight into that aspect of the TTT process. I’ll keep you posted on any new recordings they put up that are of use.