Poem1 for Al Purdy,June 21, 2010, part 1 of 2.

Number one, of two. June 21,2010. I am reading Bill Bissett's poem called "Time", a contribution to a book called "And Left a Place to Stand On", poems and essays on Al Purdy. Al Purdy passed away April 21, 2001. I went to Ameliasburg Ontario, this summer, because I learned about the A-frame project. Al Purdy came to Pr George BC where I live, a number of years ago, and read at the college of New Caledonia (CNC) our local community college. He cast a spell on me with his remarkable poems, his stories of a seemingly normal life, well-lived, and his rich beautiful voice. I think it was from that event, that I became much more aware of poetry. I think my own interest in poetry has developed much more deeply than it may have otherwise. That is a gift. I learned that the League of Canadian Poets granted Al Purdy "The Voice of the Land" award. He is all that, and then some. I myself am an interested amateur. I go to poetry readings. I listen to people who weave stories together, that help me understand this life and this land.
So the a-frame project: I have learned that there is a move afoot to help purchase Al and Eurithe Purdy's a-frame, as a retreat centre for writers. I am exploring this.
People need help to get going with writing. Writers need time and space to allow creativity to find it's outlet.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Canadian poet
• Al Purdy
• reading by Vince DeCoste
• poetry
• a-frame project
• Ameliasburg
• Ontario
• memorial
• Chris Faiers

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I recorded this myself with my little digital camera. I was on my bike, and this was a spontaneous recording. Sorry about the noise of the wind and the saw in the background... I hope it is not too distracting.... v.