The June meeting of POEMS OUT LOUD was attended by 15 people, an exceptionally high number for this time of year. It was also a particularly lively meeting on the theme of BEAUTY. Rather than focussing on the romantic appraisal of physical beauty favoured by many traditional male poets, the group chose poems that questioned the power of beauty. I introduced the group to a poem by Carol Ann Duffy, “Beauty,” in which she examines the response by society and the world to four famed beauties: Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. This created fuel for interesting discussion, as did Heather ‘s reading of Kahlil Gilbran’s “On Beauty.” Other poems that gave us the opportunity to think deeply on fhe subject, followed, including Beryl’s rendering of the sonnet by Percy Bysshe Shelley, “Ozymandias,” Jill’s reading of “Beauty: The Blessing or The Curse” by Eyithen from “Hello Poetry” and, from Patricia, Audrey Hepburn’s Comments on Beauty. In addition, we were treated to several thought-provoking original poems from Mark and a provocative,well-structured sonnet by Andrew. Marisa offered a more romantic view in Spanish with images from Nature of beauty and grief. Jacqui reminded us of powerful quotes on women’s beauty from the Bible The session turned out to be an afternoon of philosophical thought! Thankyou to all of you who took part. Some people chose not to read, but we welcomed them as listeners and they joined in the discussion.
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