ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I think that's the secret Shelley - being prepared to share.
After all the ultimate award for a poet, is to have someone read or listen to a poem of theirs.


Terry

As a few have pointed out, competitions are not for everyone and that seems to be the main reason poets get together. I doubt you would ever get any non-reciting person to attend a reciting competition.

Audiences at events such as Tamworth (The Long Yard), caravan parks, the concerts at Bundaberg and Corryong, prove that the non-poing variety of people do like and appreciate a bit of poing. On the other hand, I doubt they would attend a competition for reciting. Listening for hours on end to recitations if you are not reciting, is incredibly tiring (I know, I've done it).

There are few events where poets can simply get together and recite just for a bit of fun. Two events I recall as being a lot of fun and very social were the two years at Morrisset where workshops were held and these were topped off with concerts and social sing-a-longs. Heaps of fun. They stand out in my memory. Another was sitting around a heater at Crookwell and chatting and reciting.

At one point there was talk of an informal get together of poets - a campfire and a promise of a bit of fun - for no other reason than to socialise and share bit of poetry without the constraints and pressures of performing. Distance is always going to be a problem but maybe people would attend such a get-together.

Heather

Come over to the west Heather, we have a muster every month and usually well attended, and you have the option to read your poem if you prefer - you'd be more that welcome - same goes to anyone visiting the west.

Terry

Put the kettle on - we'll be over!!

You all make good points, yet despite the amount of views, no new faces or input on the topic. Therein lies the problem I initially raised. Are we the only ones left in the Association to discuss a matter such as this? That is the sadness I am portraying.

Neil

I'll put the Billy on Shelley

(Douses Terry's fire and hands Neil the hose) ... BUSHFIRES TERRY - There's a fire ban on!!

I was gonna say, make sure it's a gas fire for the billy, Terry.

On second thoughts, better make it rum ... and we'll bring Mannie with us!!!

G/day Heather and Manfred
No real problems over here at the moment the weathers been pleasant around the mid twenties - couple of hot ones coming though.

He must have changes his tipple Shelley, he was a whisky man last time I ran into him.

Cheers all

Terry