I finally saw the episode of ABC TV’s Bush Slam at Corryong, Victoria that I recorded last March, and discovered that my poem was edited by a third in the course of post-production. As I’ve had such nice comments from people about the poem, I thought I’d post it here in its entirety (though you can also read the whole version on the ABC website). While the poem as broadcast still holds together, I think it has lost some of its rhythm. It is reproduced in two parts (pages) below. If you live in Australia, you can still download the episodes for another week or so.
copyright Emily Ballou, 2009
copyright Emily Ballou, 2009
07/02/2010 at 1:38 am Permalink
Dear Emily,
I was fortunate enough to catch this show on ABC whilst I was on holiday. I think your poem was beautiful, and well worth the lost sleep! It was interesting to see the contrast in style between you and your competitor. I could go on, but I fear what I have to say may not be of much use anyway.
I could not help but respond to your work, both in terms of your approach to writing but also the way you present yourself. I admire your strength, clarity and especially focus. You just seem to have a certain balance that I can’t quite explain. Due to this, I feel compelled to write to you, and be so bold as to ask for some advice.
I am currently planning to compose a short film celebrating three realms of Sydney – beach, bush and city – whilst at the same time being a poingant metaphor for the Human Condition. I am also hoping to splice the genre of film with poetry; with either poetry in subtitles, or as separate stills signifying something. However I am making very little headway in terms of my poetry. Perhaps research would be my best option, and this would further my ideas. Still, any and all words or advice from you I would immensely value; specifically in regards to this, or writing in general.
I have rambled a bit, but still, I hope it was not a chore to read.
Thank-you very much, and I completely understand if this is not a concern for you, and you do not reply. Please, reply through comment or if you prefer via E-mail; my address being the.ant.returns@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you in the future, directly or otherwise.
- Anthony McMenamin
22/02/2010 at 12:06 pm Permalink
Dear Anthony,
Thank you for your kind response to my poem on Bush Slam, and I’m very sorry about the delay. As for you film and your questions about poetry, I’m afraid there are no easy solutions to the writing of it! If you mean research in terms of how to write poetry, the rules of others might impede your own natural instincts. Poetry is something you just hear in your head, like a rhythm. Try to write as simply and as honestly as you can. Edit out what is unnecessary to the rhythm. Subtitles themselves are best simple, so poetry is an interesting idea for film. All you can do is listen and see what happens! Good luck.
24/02/2010 at 8:25 am Permalink
You’re most welcome, and thank-you for your time and consideration, sincerely.
I will definitely keep what you have said in mind throughout this project. I really appreciate it.
Thanks again.