IT is with great expectation I look forward for the day when poetry will take its rightful place in our communications.

Ian McDonald’s Sunday Stabroek edition August 9, 2009 – Poetry: The Perilous Art has the aroma of truth in not only form but in substance.

His opening statement on the use of language is in essence a Biblical truth that can only be discerned by the human spirit.

There is an account in the Gospel of Saint Luke Chapter 11 verse 27 quotes, “And it came to pass, as he spoke these things a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him. Blessed is the womb that bears thee, and the pips which thou have sucked.”

This is the unadulterated words of a woman of understanding, when she heard the express language of Jesus Christ who spoke with exuberance and passion in parables which is a deep form of poetry that only the spiritual mind could understand.

I must make mention of Mr. Ian McDonald’s essay on the art of writing poetry as a timely one. Indeed poets are an endangered species. Not very many are called to this noble task, as we, as human beings are caught up with the issues of life and cares of life that saps our mental and inspirational energy at the end our working day.

For the poet, inspiration leads the way, and indeed, I agree with Ian that many great poets have gone into exile.

It is with these thoughts that I commend The Laparkan Group for its vested interest in Guyanese poets who has now began a journey in language that is highly esteemed. They are the sponsors of The Prestigious Award ceremony – Dynamic Poetry. This August, Friday 21st when 20 poets will take the stage at the National Library, Conference Room.

They will read or recite their original works in an atmosphere that will be charged with excitement and vitality which will certainly result in three poets rising to prominence and receiving $50,000, $30,000 or $20,000 for their performances.

So, Mr. Ian McDonald, thanks for your timely thoughts which I hope will radiate and inspire our young ones who will lead the way to a world of poetry. And thanks to the Laparkan Group which has ensured the sponsorship of this much needed programme and in so doing they make a difference in the life of many young Guyanese – I look forward to meeting these.
APOSTLE VANRICK BERESFORD