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| Sharon Olds |
| Sean Borodale |
Returning home on a January night, snow flakes started to fall, united and silent. A perfect backdrop for the residual heat still emanating from the evening's poems. So many beautiful words, gifted by the shortlisted TS Eliot Prize poets.
It was the 20th anniversary year of the prize and the auditorium was mostly full. Ian McMillan, our host, commented on the quality of listening in that hall. Indeed, the idea of listening to poems for two hours can seem daunting. We are not used to such quietude and focus in the busy noise of our days. But listen, we did.
My companion and I enjoyed the readings of Sean Borodale and Sharon Olds, most of all. They both seemed to resonate and imbue their words with a musicality that enabled us to experience truth and meaning. Of course the prize is bestowed upon the best collection...I wonder to what extent these readings will sway the judges decision?
The winner will be announced on Monday 14th January.
My two companions and I loved Julia Copus's readings and that of Jacob Polley. Did you notice that Jacob was the only one to receive applause during his reading as well as at the end.
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