On writing the Blog!

It was over forty years ago that I went for an interview at the Launceston 'Examiner" for a cadet journalist position and naturally was knocked back because of both my immaturity and obvious physical disability. I realised from the start that I had absolutely no hope of getting it. I have always wanted to write down my thoughts and observations but I would have had to toe the line to the  current editorial position of the day. 28 years ago, I commenced compiling a column on radio monitoring in "Amateur Radio" magazine, which I still do now. Yet I still was unable to write my thoughts on other matters for a wider audience. Now I have started this blog and am at last able to let off steam. Thanks also to the creation of Information technology, it has been made easier. My handwriting is slow and can be painful if I write by hand.

I forget who sent me to a community poetry writing class, probably Stephanie Thorne, wife of Tim. To be truthful I found poetry a huge bore when I was at Scotch College in the early sixties but that can be directly attributed to the poor quality and eccentricity of the English teachers we were given. Well I reluctantly attended this workshop under Eric Beach, I think his name was and he got us writing blank verse. I found the anthology the other day and at the time I was surprised to find one of the only two I have ever written in my life was adopted as the local  theme for the  International Year of Literacy.

The class was an absolute disaster and we weren't poetically  gifted. On reflection, I think this guy was on one of those artists in residence sponsored by some community arts group. He taught poetry at venues such as psychiatric facilities, youth detention centres, a poetry classs for the unemployed or Adult Ed. classes. Some  of those fellow classmates are now dead. I recollect one girl who had a suicide fixation and was forever mutilating herself to gain attention. One guy was a paranoid schizophrenic and there was a prim and proper Chinese lady who only did the class to improve her English comprehension. Poor lady as there were plenty of expletives going around in speech and writing.  I felt uncomfortable and out of place. Despite the temporary recognition  I know that I am no poet.

That is why I writing this blog. because I want to freely express myself honestly and openly despite the probablility of being misunderstood. It is not my intention to become controversial or a shock jock.All I wish to do is communicate in print.  

Robin L. Harwood