Tag: poetry

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Bloomsday 2017, a review

This year at the Bloomsday Festival (Montreal, Quebec), I was asked to co-host (with Donovan King) an evening of Irish poetry and stories down at bar Kaffein on Bishop street. It’s not every day I get described as “magnificent”.

From an article about the event:

Now if the rest of the festival is equal to Tuesday’s event, An Irish Story (An scéal na hÉireann), which was billed as an evening of storytelling and poetry, hosted by Donovan King and the magnificent John David Hickey, who thrilled all those in attendance with his great stories (modern adaptations of traditional Irish folklore and legends), then everyone is in for a treat.
— Luc Archambault, June 2017
— https://www.westmountmag.ca/festival-bloomsday-montreal/

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The Recipe for a Bard

by Melissa Keindel (amara_strega)

To make a bard one needs to find, the recipe to create its kind. Never easy, always changing, from culture to culture, recipes ranging. Below we find a simple mix, to make a bard, and learn his tricks.

So listen now, as i do tell, a simple bard creation spell:

  • Start with 1 cup honey, for the best stories come from honeyed tongues.
  • Add 1 cup mead to loosen the mind and mouth.
  • A dash of sass, a dash of pluck, a silver coin for good luck.
  • A teaspoon of sage, to impart wisdom
  • A teaspoon of pepper to keep stories spicy
  • A quarter cup of strong beer to add valor and bravado
  • A pinch of salt for flavor
  • A pinch of suger to sweeten the heart
  • A clove of garlic for strength
  • A sprig of Thyme so they may keep time in competition
  • A tablespoon of oats to add humility
  • A cup of spring water to keep the creativity flowing
  • Lastly add to the brew one sprig of eyebright to sharpen the wit and open the mind.

Add to a sturdy pot and boil over the intense flames of the bardic fire. Stir frequently, listening for the tell tale signs of bubbling and free-style rapping that tell you it is almost complete.

Once cooked, allow to cool and take on its natural shape, that of the master storyteller and keeper of sacred tales.

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Blood and Bones: Poetry and Story

Join us for an evening of spoken word that flows the blood and stacks the bones. Featuring poet Natasha Clery and storyteller JD “Hobbes” Hickey and invited guests.

Blood and Bones
April 27th 2016 (Wednesday), 6pm – 9:00pm
Mariposa le Café
5434 Cote St-Luc rd.
Montreal, Quebec
Cover: $10
Facebook Event

Trigger Warning: there will be adult content. This show is not appropriate for children. Long term, the erotic content of this show may produce children.