March 5th, (yes that’s still somewhat winter in Quebec!)
Hamac Editions -Somme Toute launched our anthology, ARRACHER LES FRONTIÈRES at the beautiful Librairie La Liberté in Quebec City. For the anthology 12 immigrants to Quebec, were asked to write poems (in French) relating our struggles and joy in adapting to our adoptive culture. A time to be honest and true. It was a delightful evening and our readings of excerpts were warmly received by the large crowd. And happily, critics have been paying attention too!
March 22nd. Soon it was time for the 15th annual Nuit de la poésie, a marathon of poetry organized every year by Nora Atalla who invites 20-25 poets. It too was a great gathering and gave me a chance to read some of my French poems as well as hearing the fine work of long-time and new colleagues. Again, a big crowd was there for us in the gorgeous library of La Maison de la Litterature in Quebec City.
Then comes April with its hope for real spring! And I’m sure to find it.
First on April 13th at La Maison Plamondon in St. Raymond de Portneuf. I so appreciate Normand Genois’ invitation to bring Steady/Sans relâche to his beautiful region with its mountains and rivers! Hélène Lépine, friend and translator will be reading with me for the bilingual event.
May? Well, it will be busy but in a totally different way! I’m moving from the beautiful but isolating house in the country to join old friends and habits again in Quebec City!
To end the month, on April 26th, I’ll join Emilie Clepper in her regional festival in St. Jean Port Joli! Also a beautiful town on the St. Lawrence River, and a lively place for art and music. Emilie has invited me to continue the celebration for Steady/Sans relâche but before my entering that dreamtime, we’ll perform my desert poem ‘Women Like Her’ together, in honour of of the North-South relationship we share! I can’t wait to hear the music she’ll bring to it!
And May? It will be busy too, in a wholly different way! I am moving back into Quebec City among old friends, traditions and habits!