The bright lights of the city
have never been brighter,
prettier, or more enticing,
but more...
this is a cake layered in icing,
there are words
living in
the lighting.
As part of the
Light Up Leicester festival
the city was home
to a whole host of light installations,
really showing the beauty of the city,
the history seen under a whole new light.
This was a great way to get people
together, when we seem
more and more divided,
when people seem a bit frightened
of the darkness that can
sometimes make a city seem uninviting.
This was the perfect way to enlighten.
Show that the shadows
don't always hide monsters,
just shades of our history.
This is the perfect time
to sample some
of the cities grand cuisines,
many social gatherings,
the drinking establishments,
and much more importantly
it was an opportunity
to connect with people
from all different walks of life
and embrace the love that sits
when we put difference aside.
But Kyle, what does this have
to do with poetry?
I hear you yell.
Well...
Let me begin,
(I do like a long rambling intro)
The brilliant team at Literati Arts
put on some shows over the weekend,
and I was lucky enough
to catch the last of these.
I'm really glad I did.
There in the bustling
St Martins Square,
the atmosphere
was electric.
We were treated
to three brilliant poets,
each with important
words to share.
To start things off
we had Literati Arts
very own Tyrone Haughton,
a true poet & spoken word artist,
but also a great host,
who knows how
to let people truly shine.
He owned the little stage area,
not an easy task
when people are just passing through,
but he lured them in, with words
that they could feel,
the crowd grew,
not thinning until the last act
had spoken.
Tyrone's words draw you in instantly,
they grab you asking
to listen to the stories held within.
A truly brilliant opening.
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Then @Shareefaenergy took the mic,
and though I've seen her before,
and have been following for a long time,
it was a true delight
to get to listen
to her words of insight.
She has a way of making
you feel every emotion,
taking you through
her childhood, eating the cuisine,
feeling the beating heart of community.
If you get a chance to hear her words
or read her book then please take it.
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Last but not least was Mr Shay,
who again
gave us stories of his youth, his life,
all infused with love and laughter.
He shared memories that those of us
of a certain age
will be able to reminisce about,
whilst also teaching things
that we may have not known.
And that's the beauty of poetry,
three poets of different styles,
backgrounds and lives,
All sharing little snippets
that help us to understand
each other a little better,
and hopefully heal this world
that is feeling very
under the weather.
It was such a great moment
to see so many people
embracing spoken word poetry.
People that otherwise would not
usually experience the way
words can move a crowd.
Well done to the Literati Arts team
and all of the light up Leicester people
for giving poetry such a great home,
and I'm sure,
in future there will be
many more opportunities,
to share our city’s
brilliant poets
