38. Special Episode - Latitude 2019 with Nadine Shah and Hannah Jane Walker

In this special feature length episode, recorded live at Latitude Festival, musician Nadine Shah and writer & theatre-maker Hannah Jane Walker talk about the poems that have been friends to them.You can find out more about the brilliant work of Nadine and Hannah Jane Walker here: www.nadineshah.co.ukwww.hannahjanewalker.co.ukThis is our first live show episode and features work by Philip Larkin, Elizabeth Alexander, Salena Godden and WB Yeats.Discover more of the brilliant Salena Godden's work and seek out her collection 'Pessimism is for Lightweights' from Rough Trade Books. We had a gorgoues time as part of The Listening Post at Latitude Festival 2019 and are delighted to be sharing it with you through our podcast! *****Days by Philip LarkinWhat are days for?Days are where we live. They come, they wake us Time and time over.They are to be happy in: Where can we live but days?Ah, solving that questionBrings the priest and the doctor In their long coatsRunning over the fields.*****Pessimism is for Lightweights by Salena GoddenThink of those that marched this road beforeAnd those that will march here in years to comeThe road in shadow and the road in the sunThe road before us and the road all doneHistory is watching us and what will we becomeThis road is all flags and milestonesImmigrant blood and sweat and tearsBuild this city, built this countryMade this road last all these yearsThis road is made of protest And those not permitted to vote And those that are still fighting to speak With a boot stamping on their throatThere is power and strength in optimismTo have faith and to stay true to youBecause if you can look in the mirrorAnd have belief and promise youWill share wonder in living thingsBeauty, dreams, books and artLove your neighbour and be kindAnd have an open heartThen you're already winning at livingYou speak up, you show up and stand tallIt's silence that is complicitIt's apathy that hurts us allPessimism is for lightweightsThere is no straight white lineIt's the bumps and curves and obstaclesThat make this time yours and minePessimism is for lightweightsThis road was never easy and straightAnd living is all about living alive and livelyAnd love will conquer hate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

The Poetry Exchange talks to people about the poem that has been a friend to them. In each episode you will hear our guest talking about their chosen poem and the part it has played in their life, as well as a recording of the poem that we make as a gift for them. Our podcast features conversations with people from all walks of life, as well as a range of special guests. Join us to discover the power of poetry in people’s lives. Silver Award Winner for Most Original Podcast at the British Podcast Awards 2018. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.