Just back from a busy weekend in Middlesbrough at the first T*Junction International Poetry Festival, where I read and spent time with poets from France (John Berger via Skype), London, Syria, Cuba, Serbia, Macedonia, Sussex, Finland, Estonia, Palestine, Nigeria and Teesside…No wonder I feel rather tired.
The atmosphere was vibrant and unpredictable, a reflection of the rich diversity of poetic voices. I felt as if I was in the eye of a storm – so many different experiences translated into something like harmony, our collective commitment to the word. I came home with a case full of new books to see me through the autumn.
Many thanks to all the good folk of Teesside who gave us such a hearty welcome and created this nourishing and distinctive festival. Here’s to many more…
