tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31917037.post1061511207318016998..comments2008-11-16T12:56:31.080ZNiinoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31917037.post-31502901064552497482008-11-16T12:56:00.000Z2008-11-16T12:56:00.000ZNaomi, thanks for your positive comments and your attention to the work. I enjoyed your reading at Lauderdale House and, although I haven't read 'The Night Pavillion' in full yet, my flip random reading-while-travelling method uncovered a minuscule gem in 'Small Blossoms'. I'm sure we'll cross paths again soon - or, in the words of Ainsley Burrows, we'll path crosses...Niihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17760502131997973912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31917037.post-54699543885751913122008-11-16T12:40:00.000Z2008-11-16T12:40:00.000ZHi Nii - Really enjoyed meeting you at Lauderdale House and discovering your poetry. I've got a Nina Simone thing going on right now, its 'the fire in her lungs' in Mississippi Goddamn, and the way her blue voice takes me stealthily 'by the hand' - thanks for putting those feelings into your words. 'Pebbles 1980: The Ghana Years' was a compelling read - its skillful, vivid intertwining of family lore and political reflections drew me steadily into the times and places described, some far from my own experiences, some seemingly close in their desire for 'easy sharing' and their eyes that 'see everything/ as beautiful - except beauty itself'. Beauty itself can be so misleading, but 'everything is holy' as another poet said. I also especially liked the shimmer of untold stories in poems like 'Washing The 244GL, 2004', and 'Fading To Wild'. I'm looking forward to reading 'Eyes of A Boy, Lips of a Man', and your novel when it comes out. Congratulations also on your nominations for flipped eye - it's great that you are getting recognition for your commitment to new and international voices.Naomi Foylehttp://www.myspace.com/naomifoylenoreply@blogger.com