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| Manchester’s much-loved Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy |
Words by Sian Pemberton
Christopher Riesco delivered a startling prose poem in strong contrast to his somewhat understated introduction. Michael Conley’s wonderfully comical There’s a Seventh Tongue in the Woods examined the struggle of youth and being a juvenile.
Lynn Pegler’s Risk Assessment, a paradox of the risks of warfare and the risks tedious daily tasks, was especially well received by the audience. It met with resounding applause as the poem concluded with the powerful line ‘he ticked the wrong box’.
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| John Burnside – a poet who has had an adjective named for him ‘Burnsidian’ |
The nights showcase was a true celebration of what the Manchester Metropolitan Writing School has to offer, with each poet an inspiration and example to future students and undergraduates in the audience. If poetry is ‘the music of being human’ as stated by Duffy, then collectively each poet’s contribution touches upon the struggles and experiences of daily life.
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| Carol Ann Duffy inspired her audience alongside other notable guest poets |
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