LET’S CELEBRATE WITH POETRY – by Martin Andrews titled : ‘Re-Birth’
Images by : Lynne Hughes-Williams
Interview conducted by: Lynne Hughes-Williams
Why do we celebrate World Poetry day? What is its significance and does it have a significance?
The 21st March was adopted by UNESCO in 1999. It is their belief that poetry is a common language that is universal to all globally. The significance of continuing to celebrate this day, is so that people across the globe are encouraged to continue to learn literacy. Data gathered by UNESCO indicate a a clear growth in literacy skills across the world, the figures illustrate that more of the younger generation are more literate than the older generations in some countries. This being an indication that literacy is improving, however, more work is needed. https://ourworldindata.org/literacy#literacy-by-generation.
Audrey Azoulay, Director General UNESCO
"Arranged in words, coloured with images, struck with the right meter, the power of poetry has no match. As an intimate form of expression that opens doors to others, poetry enriches the dialogue that catalyses all human progress, and is more necessary than ever in turbulent times."
IN CONVERSATION WITH MARTIN
Martin had a conceptual idea of creating images and he asked if I would collaborate with him to bring images to life. Images that would represent him as a person, who like many other people, has experienced challenges in life to include mental health challenges his images represent how he felt when at a low, and how he felt vulnerable. The images portray how he gradually became stronger through stages of his life.
I felt privileged to be asked to work with him and the belief he had in me to create such work. I of course said yes.
Martin explains his objective as “To show a visual representation of drastic change, personal growth and developing your self-awareness consciously through your own mental health as an adult through personal sacrifice, self assessment, trauma, understanding, love and the want to feel more alive. Welcome to my ‘Re’Birth’ “.
A series of poems complemented with conceptual images
‘RE-BIRTH’
EMBRYONIC
EMBRYONIC Just because something is, it does not mean that is how it always has to be. As we look, we can sometimes forgot to see Forget to feel or even understand the simplest parts of one’s self in an otherwise process of thought that can be somewhat chaotic To the adult human form returning to a state that is totally embryonic Progression in this metaphorical sense is not measured by a linear means but by the work put in to enhance your own personal needs With the elimination of greeds except the gluttony of self improvement A movement That soon meant An eviction of the old tenement that subsided in your minds yard Your growth & impact on this earth, can be set a new path It just may need a midlife ‘Re-Birth’
ACCEPTANCE
ACCEPTANCE Acceptance, the evolution of the vulnerability created by the foetal stage. An internal battle with yourself, a war waged. Uncertain & uncomfortable you ask yourself what for? Cerebral mental warfare, the art of war. Your mind becomes softer but stronger at the same time. Your spirit rises Your body not quite able to keep up, but that’s fine. Patience is key Patience is the key Beyond that bolted door is your perception of being free. De-shackled, Un-chained mind & spirit Trust the process The progress is no less worth the fight No longer soul-less.
SELF AWARENESS
SELF AWARENESS Weaknesses of one’s self are NOT weakness if one is self aware! In their purest form they’re simply areas requiring the most improvement. You are now in control of your own growth and more power Spiritually, mentally and physically you begin to blossom like a flower. More power You tower More upright now.. although your vessel is not quite on the same level as your mental. More power Your growth is no longer finite Your potential becomes limitless The road you’ve chosen to embark on is right Are you prepared to finish this? A display of strength has been on show You continue to march forward and grow You can feel it now, now you KNOW you know choosing YOU was the correct way to go!
RE-GROWTH
RE-GROWTH
Your colossus vessel more upright now A pillar of strength in all sense Weight bearing Solid & steady Formed & ready Mind, Body & Spirit in tow Alignment the refinement of rediscovering your soul. Unwavering and brand new, Who knew, the new you had always been within you! Your resurrection Your resurgence The collection of consistent cultivation The motivation of which was born of adversity The chaos in the glory The pride for a tale of your story Your life the proof Your life the truth Powerful now, rugged and unwavering A moment in time worth savouring.
STRENGTH
STRENGTH STRENGTH, In embracing your past STRENGTH, In knowing your weaknesses STRENGTH, In accepting the challenge of adversity Ultimate STRENGTH in breaking yourself down and re-building the pieces! So now your strongest posture you wear like a crown No more wounded soldier stance Eyes transfixed on your own star, beams of purpose & hope shine down You are supplemented by handpicked companions of truth and trust. Lust, no longer holds meaning without feeling. Intent & centred, oozing with calm Peace of self - you’re unable to do harm Re-Birth, A Re-Birth, Your Re-Birth Not that of which you must leave earth Quite the opposite More aware, more sentient, more in tune More care, old self to lament, negativity you become immune!