Poems for Christmas
Posted December 10, 2009 8:48 am by Andrew Martin | Permalink
Last night it was the annual Scottish Pamphlet Poetry Christmas Fair here at National Library of Scotland. Not only did the many visitors get a chance to purchase pamphlets from the many poets/publishers present, but there was an impressive array of readings. In a new departure this year’s event gave the stage to over 30 poets and allowed them just two minutes to do their piece – so anyone with a rambling introduction or lengthy verses was invariably cut off in mid-flow ! Poet and NLS staff member Graeme Hawley was the compere who kept the poets in check with clock and clashing cymbal. Among the many poets not too intimidated were prize-winners such as Edinburgh’s Makar Ron Butlin, Elizabeth Burns, Hazel Cameron , and Nancy Somerville. More information on the poets and publishers can be found at Scottish Pamphlet Poetry (Photograph from the 2008 fair)