Ariadne’s Notes: The World Poetry Café with Hosts Ariadne Sawyer and Neall Ryon was honoured to have Leigh Nelson phoning in and sharing his adventures, poetry and music with us on CRFO, 100.5 FM, October 22nd. Music also by the amazing B-Master on World Peace. Thanks to Victor Schwartzman and Kerry for their assistance in keeping us on the air. CLICK HERE for the show!
“The writer of Gandhi’s Lament has been writing and performing poetry and music since the age of 14. Hailing from South County in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts, he is known simply as mrlei (as in mister lee), a name bestowed upon him in the early 80’s by students of his. mrlei has still yet to publish any of his works, but plans on using the slowdown of winter months to complete the process and get it to press. At the same time, he is attempting to complete two plays, one called “Einstein’s Violin” and a one-man show of Walt Whitman. He hopes that his poetry “will inspire people to awaken to their true selves and discover the voice that dwells within all being.”
He writes: My mother was an English teacher (and model/actress) in the late 50’s thru to the early 70’s, so of course it was read, read, read (albeit TV was also very much our babysitter at times — but never before homework!) By the fourth grade I was reading on a junior-to-high school level and also accompanied my mother to rehearsals for plays she was in and became the one child of three boys who became engrossed with the artistic “process” (really don’t like that word). I dabbled in the theatre/tv/radio/film industry for a time and lost interest for a variety of reasons. But that experience helped me to become a powerful speaker and presenter of ideas (my own and others) and I have continued working in the artistic milieus.”
I’m sitting here
listening to Nii’ Nee’
sing with his ancestors
and the strong of heart
and the horizon
is just setting
into a faint mauve
blanket
dotted by crows
and icicles in the eaves
I reach for the stars
as if they are the only
light in sight this night
this night
is where
the vow lives
the stand is taken
with every breath
and furrow of brow
I will not pretend
coming through the forest
to this opening
where dirt means mind
and bear pads softly
and to know you have
come through the forest
safely
and the ease of our minds
is but a tear from our eyes
serving to remind
cante tenza
great thanks now
for the passing of the pipe
and the sharing of dreams
of the grandmother
and her song for the men
great thanks that paths
cross at the streams
and up a hill
there
up ahead
the way to go
this night
through the frost
Leigh Nelson (C)
–listening to “Singing with the Ancestors” by Nii’ Nee’. this is my Cante Tenza Olowan (“Song for the Strong Heart” -Lakota) “At The Wood’s Edge” (Iroquois) is referenced, as well as Frost, in the last line (a play on forest and the winter – a poet nod, if you will.)