The last two days have involved lots of meetings dedicated to discussing how best to include all of the things we want to over the coming days of events. Tomorrow I will be guest facilitator a writing workshop for incarcerated men in Oregon State Penitentiary – I’ve found newspaper articles to be rewritten in a variety of styles, poems to be sliced up and used as poetry puzzles, and planned out how best to summarise our wonderful island for the men. I’m excited, but nervous.
A lot of our talks have led me to think a lot about prison experience – there has been mention of the loss of personhood which is experienced, and the reduction of a name to a number. Poetry, writing, and using words are a way to escape that reality. These classes are so important, and heading fantastically inspiring teachers discuss their work has encouraged me to think a lot about how appreciative I am of the position I am in.
On a slightly lighter note, there was time for an excursion to Salem city centre – I wore my Super Manx tshirt and met lots of interesting people on my way. My absolute highlight of this trip was a shop called Book Bin.
There was books for days – and the entire shop was an absolute haven as it was incredibly warm today and I’d walked in from the outskirts of town. I was sweaty, and a bit grumpy when I saw a shop with this sign in its window, how could I walk past?
For tomorrow’s workshop, we’re going to ask you to take part in a group poem along with the men, and the Secret Poet Society .
Please tell us what poetry is, comment it, or write/draw your words and take a photo of them to post below.
e.g.
Poetry is hard
Poetry is more than words
Poetry is free
See you tomorrow!
Manx Bard Abroad 
Poetry is how I find out what I think and feel
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