Glenda Jackson
was born in Toronto where she lived until 2007, when she moved to
Cobourg. "Cobourg has been an integral part of my life since
infancy. My paternal, British grandfather, was an admirer of Cobourg
and we used to gather in Victoria Park for picnics and reunions, so
it's with great fondness that I recall many cherished Cobourg memories."
Glenda taught school in Toronto from 1969 until her retirement in
2004, including poetry as part of her English language curriculum.
When her daughter and family decided to move to Cobourg, Glenda was
not far behind. She is now a vital member of the Cobourg Poetry Workshop.
Online with
Glenda Jackson
You are relatively
new to the poetry scene - part of the Cobourg Poetry Workshop's
(CPW) new wave - how did this come about?
I'm new to the poetry 'writing' scene, joining the workshop in the
fall of 2007, but not to poetry itself. The wish to put pen to paper,
of fingers to the keyboard, in order to write my own verse, has
come with the gift of time that retirement brings and with the discovery
of the thriving life of poetry in Cobourg.
How would
you describe your poetry?
I think I'd describe it as dynamic, in that I've noticed it to be
quite changeable, reflecting the varying moods and themes that my
heart, mind and soul attempts to explore.
When an idea
for a poem strikes you, what process do you go through to reach
the finished poem - or 'finished for now' poem?
Each poem has a different process, its own pathway. Some come quickly
and with precision. Most, however, have to be worked and re-worked
until I feel it's ready to be shared with the members of the workshop.
Speaking
of which, how was it, reading your work for the first time in front
of a group of poets?
Scarey. Was my poem good enough? Do I belong here? What are they
really thinking - about my poem and about me. Yes, scarey. And
then there was your first public reading at the 3rd Thursday Poetry
Readings. It was a lot of work getting ready for it. But I felt
prepared and so enjoyed the experience. The audience was polite
and very supportive.
In what direction do you see your poetry going?
Hopefully, growing and developing. I'm at an early, learning stage.
I need to let it take its own direction and I need to respect the
journey. I don't want to try and control it. The nature of my poetry
is reflective, of how I'm thinking and feeling at the time, and
that in itself can be a crazy journey! I think I want to become
more relaxed.
Who are your favourite poets?
They vary. Right now my favourites are Emily Dickenson, Thomas Hardy
and Robert Frost. I don't 'go' from one poet to another. They are
always there, like an old friend that I might not see very often,
but know that I love them and honour who and what they are.
Canadian
Poets?
Currently, Robyn Sarah and Lara Bozabalian. They have both read
at the 3rd Thursday Poetry Readings this year and I enjoyed their
poetry very much. What attracted me to them? Their poetry was an
affiliation to much of what they said and the skill and grace with
how they said it.
Your Thoughts
on the Cobourg Poetry Workshop.
WOW! I'm so very happy to have discovered it. You know, we're all
very fortunate to be a part of such a unique group - being with
people who appreciate poetry and support each other in our individual
quests for artistic expression. Poetry is a curious world - one
in which the imagination can soar and create. I love it.
What are
you reading these days?
I'm something of an eclectic reader. As an aspiring painter, right
now I'm enjoying books about famous painters. And, of course, I
would not be without my Northumberland Today.
Who do I admire
in life? Anyone who can rise above adversity and create a meaningful
life in whatever form that takes.
Anything you'd like to add?
I LOVE POETRY !!
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