Cayman’s greatest poet-performers are preparing to congregate once more.
The monthly Floetry event takes place at Books & Books, Camana Bay on Wednesday, 15 February, at 7pm and as ever the free open mic event features Cayman’s most talented poets and performers who share their work during an open mic night of poetry and readings.
One of those people may well be Karolyn Smith, who dropped by Weekender Towers for a chat. Better still, she kindly agreed to perform her poem Butterflies for us on camera. You can see that on our website www.caycompass.ky.
The poem is sensual and tender and explores the flush of love, she tells us. But was it based on anyone in particular?
“There’s no one person that inspired the poem,” Karolyn says.
“It was written after listening to a friend speak of her new love. It was reminiscent of the initial honeymoon phase of falling in love that I think a lot of us experience; with all its new promises/vows, all the anxieties and feelings that it will always be that way.”
Eclectic style
Of course, the writing of the poem is just one part of the experience. Floets are notable for their personal performance of their work and Karolyn is certainly no different.
“I would say I have a an eclectic Floetry style. Butterflies is one of the few poems I have that in some way incorporate a singing/rhythmic style. Some of my poems need to be performed using a lot of body language to be fully appreciated, others just need to be read.” Talking of which, everyone is inspired in some way by literature and although Karolyn says she struggles to choose favourites – because there’s just so much great stuff around – there are some writers she does re-read over and over again.
“These include are Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Roald Dahl, JRR Tolkien, Alice Walker and Paulo Coelho,” she explains.
Karolyn published her first poetry book, Bluebells Don’t Really Ring You Know, in November 2011 and is working on a book of short stories and a novel. Her future plans include continuing to write (of course) plus pursuing a degree in creative writing. In the meantime, you can see her at Floetry – and even get involved yourself because all are welcome.
“Floetry energy is always vibrant and inspiring. There are times when I am all set to attend a Floetry meeting to only watch but I end up being inspired to perform.
“Saying that, it is a very relaxed place where one is not pressured into performing although we are known to be very encouraging.”
Watch Karolyn performing her poem Butterflies at www.caycompass.com
Related Videos
