by daithí
For our children may we choose love, truth and beauty over destruction –dedication by Rajnii Eddins from his book, “In the Coded Language of This Mortal Tongue.”
On April 26, 2025, I attended the Poets of Color with Rajnii Eddins event at the Kellogg Hubbard Library as part of PoemCity in Montpelier and in part sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council. To say that it was a typical poetry reading would be a disservice to the reading that took place. In addition to Rajnii, who read last, there were three other poets who read: Nadia Frazier, Nick Ferdinand, and Anna Capelle.
So, you might ask, how was it different than many other readings that I have seen and heard?
Usually, a poet or two or three, gets up to read from her/his recently published book. And while many read melodically, their voices are somewhat flattened by reading from their book.
This reading was different in that it was more singing than just reading. Once again, I was transported to a time before there were books, tapes, or recordings. When actual poets spoke through their own voice–and sharing it with others. This might be my Irish tendency to prefer live poets alive in real space and in concert with its long-standing oral tradition.
Secondly, there was a core shared belief that each poet was allowed to express herself/himself with dignity. At the same time, there was a canopy under which each poet gave her/his song. Looking forward with hope and determination while also looking backward with respect.. In Irish, the phrase that best fits here would be faoi scáth daoine eile (under the shadows of others).
And, finally, when Rajnii shared his “Beautiful Blessed Bountiful Sun Kissed People,” he invited the audience to a call-and-response portion. Such a tradition goes back to how songs were taught throughout churches in the South and elsewhere. Such an invitation brings us all under the canopy of belonging. But don’t take my word for it, come join the readers when you can.
Nadia Frazier Why did it happen to me? (on mass shootings in America)
