Poetry and Pints

Pauline Howley reflects on the group’s inaugral informal spoken word evening in June.

Our first ‘Poetry and Pints’ evening took place in the Bedford pub in Station Road in Horsham earlier this month. It’s a simple idea: SMP members get together and read poems, in the relaxed atmosphere of the pub. Not just Shelley poems, although of course he does feature. Some participants read their own poetry, or shared a favourite poem. We read them in the round, with plenty of talk and laughter in between.

Pauline read one of her own poems My Masque of Anarchy (2022) and then The Bracelet by Julia Casterton from Troublesome Cattle (1991).

Sara, in the spirit of rebellion, shared a favourite protest poem, Enslaved by Claude McKay.

David read a Betjeman childhood favourite, p4 from Summoned by Bells, and had the original book that he had enjoyed when he was younger. He also read Performance Review by Janine Booth from Fighting Tories: The force awakens (2020).

Ted read two of her own poems that had just been published in the Vole Poetry is not Dead anthology 2023, A child tiptoes into a restaurant kitchen and Conversation with the Motya Charioteer, British Museum.

James read Sniper by David Harsent from Legion 2005 and he also quoted from A Sussex Alphabet by Eleanor Farjeon 1924.

Carol read a piece from an illustrated version of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas 1952 and also The South County by Hilaire Belloc.

Sarah, ever the Shelley enthusiast, shared her beautiful edition of Shelley poems from which she picked randomly, Song of the spirit.

Conversation ranged from the metaphysical poets to the musical Half A Sixpence, and the Harlem Renaissance.

The aim, moving on, is to meet monthly to share poems, and continue the convivial conversations around poetry. Get in touch if you’d like to join us at one of these sessions.