That's how Manchester Library’s lunchtime poetry sessions, curated by that wonderful literary impresario, Libby Tempest, have been described.

Mad days indeed, with their colleagues in other authorities closing libraries (is that not more violent than smashing a window?) what a thrill, how reassuring, to see Manchester running lunchtime poetry gigs. (That’s 'dinner time' to us northerners.)

Libby's latest oasis is on 8^th april, 13.00 – 14.00, when you can witness the melifluity of DONNA  PUCCIANI  &  JOAN  POULSON.

One would expect olfactory ecstasy
ashudder in each creamy bloom.
Instead, a noseful of sea,
the way the house smells after poached salmon

Donna's award-winning poetry has been published on four continents, set to music, and displayed in libraries across the country.  Her collections include The Other Side of Thunder (Flarestack Poetry, 2006) and her new one, To Sip Darjeeling at Dawn (Virtual Artists Collective).

Your grandparents put trust in herbs.

I made ritual,

sent healing energies,

secretly enjoyed being called witch

Joan Poulson (pictured) is a prolific poet and children's writer, who has had residencies and readings all over the world, and collaborated with musicians, sculptors, a dancers, painters and other writers. Joan is the author of the magical onetree singing (Blackthorn Books, 2001) and onetree journal (Flarestack, 2008).
 
Bring your sandwich to the oasis, library staff will make you a brew (a hot beverage). Prepare to be enchanted (it says here).

FRIDAY  8th  APRIL , 1 - 2pm
Becker Room, 1st Floor, City Library,
Elliot House,
151 Deansgate,
MANCHESTER  M3 3WD

FREE. ALL WELCOME. NO NEED TO BOOK

more info: Libby Tempest, Cultural Services & Events Manager,
Manchester Library. Mobile  -  07535426678
0161-234-1981. l.tempest@manchester.gov.uk
www.manchester.gov.uk