Here’s the dilemma. Tonight, the Shore Poets have an excellent programme of readers – Richard Price, Angela MacSevany, and Simon Pomery. It starts at 7.45pm.
Tonight also is the final of Euro 2008 between Germany and Span, which starts at 7.45pm.
So what should I do?
It partly depends on getting a babysitter, but I might be able to do both if I record the match. That way, I can see the poets and then watch the game when I return, as if it were live.
The obvious problem with this solution is getting home without knowing who won. There will be many hurdles to overcome – Spaniards and Germans (there are many in the city at the moment) wandering around Edinburgh after the game, either singing at the top of their voices or looking utterly inconsolable – a dead giveaway. Conversations about the game on buses or on the streets, TVs replaying the vital goals in shop windows, flags raised from bars and restaurants. I’ve considered a taxi, but it’s odds-on that the driver will start talking about the game. Wearing ear muffs and a blindfold might draw me too much unwanted attention. It’s a tough one.
7 comments:
Daddy or chips, daddy or chips ...
ABJ
I've so much enjoyed hearing Richard and Angela at StAnza festivals past, that it's no contest. I don't recall hearing Simon before, so that's a third reason.
Well, this is it - Richard and Angela are both very good readers and I'd be interested in seeing Simon Pomery too - I read his recent review of Michael Hofmann's Selected and found it very interesting.
But we have 4 possible babysitters - 2 are watching the match with their families, 1 is on holiday, and the last one isn't well. So that pretty much makes my decision for me. I did try! We can't use babysitters that my daughter doesn't know.
Fact fans - Re 'daddy or chips' - this phrase and it's popular series of adverts were devised by Mark Waldron, the poet whose excellent first book is due from Salt this autumn!
And Richard gave one of the best readings I've heard in years.
I liked Mark Waldron's featured poems in the latest Magma. I'll look forward to the book.
Colin - I've heard Richard read twice and each time he's been brilliant, mesmeric. So your verdict doesn't surprise me in the least.
Missed yersel, Rob. Report here.
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