 |
| OBEDIAH MICHAEL SMITH |
 |
ADRIAN
D'AGUILAR ON BASS,
ERIC BOXERMAN ON KEYBOARD
AND EVA ZARUCKI ON SAXOPHONE
|
I had a real treat
on my birthday last Saturday afternoon! Erskine took me to “Tea Talk” – A Special
Poetry Reading by internationally recognized Bahamian poet Obediah Michael
Smith at Gypsy Books and Tea on Parliament Street, downtown Nassau.
When we arrived we
were met by the soothing tones of a jazz trio – Adrian D’Aguilar on bass, Eric
Boxerman on keyboard and Eva Zarucki on saxophone. Dr. Harold Munnings also
played soft jazz on his classical guitar during an intermission.
Other poets who
read their work were: Shalimar Johnson, A. Shareef Josey, Princess Pratt
(former student of Shalimar Johnson), Eric Rose and Ancilleno Davis.
As we settled into
easy chairs it was like being in someone’s home. We were surrounded by books of
all kinds and a variety of gifts were displayed on antique tables and shelves.
I felt immersed in culture. It was so relaxing and peaceful, far away from the
everyday rowdiness of Nassau – lovely soft jazz and good company, along with
the spoken word beautifully presented by the poets. All of the guests sat
quietly, giving way to the artists, but occasionally there was a jovial moment,
especially when a poet’s work had a little humour in it! Teas were available at
the rear of the store.
As we left this
most enjoyable event, the heavens opened and the rain came down accompanied by thunder
and lightening! We waited a while and then made our way home to get ready for
an evening meal at Spritz, Sandyport.
I couldn’t have
had a better birthday!
