Thom the World Poet

Thom after poetry workshop

Thom, an Aussie now based in Texas, travels the world presenting his own poetry and promoting other people's. His commitment to this is partly derived from a belief that "spoken word poetry" (the current name for what I've always called performance poetry) is the last bastion of truly free speech, and gives a voice to those who might not have such ready access to other outlets.

In August 2005, his last visit to Australia, he did a poetry tour of various States, which took in the "Rainbow Region" of northern NSW, and even Pottsville, where he gave an exciting workshop as well as performing. He was one of the people who encouraged me to start the WordsFlow group, seizing on the idea of transforming Pottsville into Poetsville.

We're working on it! In fact, the group encompasses writers in all genres including poetry. And today, in honour of one of our – er – instigators, I share with you one of his most recent poems.

DISCOVERING GOLD

in the silver creek of liquid dreaming
in the chilled reminders of seasons
in the warmth of friends and family
in the kindnesses of strangers
in the rock of reality
in the cloud of unknowing fantasies
in the times stolen between time
in the affirmation and negation
if these days are dark,these lines are Light
if these nights are deep,these sounds skim skin surfaces
if outside seems static and screech
inner is temple and sanctuary
if other does not understand
another overstands
precious unfoldings-lips,flowers,touch,caress-
dance of spark in throat of next-red fire warm (good health!
winter auditions our green needs to see if we are worthy of our springs..
WHERE U FIND Jan 17,2008


© Thom the World Poet 2008

Rainbow Thom in performance