POETRY ON PARLIAMENT!

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!

Check out Obediah’s Facebook page at OBEDIAH MICHAEL SMITH FACEBOOK 

or email him at bestwordsmith@gmail.com