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Nichola Napora's avatar

I enjoyed this very much thanks

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Matthew Stillman's avatar

Thanks so much Nichola! I’m teaching a course that starts next week via Poets House that has this “ear-ness” very much as a thread. Take a look! https://poetshouse.org/event/matthew-stillman-committed-to-heart/

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Nichola Napora's avatar

Matthew I’m already booked up next month but maybe in the future. I would love to work on my memory so I can perform and have better engagement with audiences. Sounds like a good class. I’m currently studying sound design already until June.

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Nichola Napora's avatar

Thanks I will check it out. I’ve never taken a poetry course but love to play with sounds of words - it’s what I channel. Yet I’m at a loss when it comes to editing. So I am intrigued!

Will you be giving feedback? I’d love your thoughts on some of my work. I’m trying to record them since, like the medium you mention, the way the poems sound is part of the art.

https://open.substack.com/pub/nicholaanapora/p/dancing-awake-the-flame-of-courage?r=d5zzk&utm_medium=ios

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Matthew Stillman's avatar

Nichola, thanks for sharing these! If you are just tracking consonance then the Releasing Shadows poem has “more” or “the most” of the ones you shared. Having more assonance or consonance doesn’t automatically make a poem better. But it’s a color on a palette that can be employed. A skill to learn about! And I love Wagamese but the heart/courage etymology is only half right. Absolutely there is a line from “cour” to courage and the heartedness in relation to proceeding with courage. The other half of the etymology is worthy though too. No worries on not being able to take the class next week - short notice- but maybe send it on to folks!

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Nichola Napora's avatar

Wow Matthew very much appreciate these insights. You are wise. I’ll share your course and pay attention to your future offers.

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David Marshall's avatar

I love this piece, Matt. Reflective and perfectly tuned to the sound of the poetry,.

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Matthew Stillman's avatar

Wouldn’t have come to be without you! Took a long time to write though in this state. But am pleased to have it completed and out. Tell your friends and love to you and N!

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