Lemn Sissay: ‘Rebel Without Applause’ and ‘Something Dark’
In May, Lemn Sissay gave a talk at the University of Leicester, titled ‘Landmark Poems’. During the seventh annual Creative Writing Lecture, Sissay shared his life story, and his incredible poetry, some of which is painted and carved onto buildings and important landmarks. Lemn Sissay’s humour, courage, and honesty are entertaining and endearing. I found his talk, his poetry and his personality inspiring and empowering.
Borrow or buy a copy of any (or all) of his collections – I regularly revisit his work, it’s an investment buy. If you ever have the chance to hear Lemn speak or read his poems or deliver his powerful speeches, you MUST attend. Get tickets, travel, be there.
Better still, if you can get involved in organising one of his Christmas celebrations, do so. Lemn has created a comprehensive guide to set up and organise an event. If anyone in the Midlands is up for this, please get in touch with me.
I can only dream of attending one of his workshops or courses, if you can afford to or if you can apply for a grant to do so, you must. There are also clips on YouTube and he is on social media too, so follow, read and be inspired.