It was interesting to note that it was the first time for the NBDB Book Club to discuss a poetry book in their book club session, and also the first for the Pinoypoets to discuss a collection of poetry. There was an additional excitement that another poet, Conchitina Cruz, was present to take part in the discussion.

 

It was amazing how the poet carefully explained the process of placing her poems in a specific order, for the collection. Some of the points of discussion I picked up:

 

1. Did she find the use of "O," "Thee," or "Unto," as one of her mannerisms when she was writing the poems? Mabi answered that she grew up in an uber-conservative Catholic family. She used to read the Bible, which utilizes these "old words." It did not, according to her, feel at all artificial using such an 'archaic' tone.

 

2. NBDB Executive Director Andrea noted that it was very obvious that the "creator" was deliberately making its self, function, and existence undeniably present in each poem included in the collection.

 

3. Mabi wants her poems to be "in a specific time, or period." This will even be more apparent in her upcoming collection.

 

It was truly enjoying reading (and discussing) poems with people who are so enthusiastic about the craft and the genre. This may have been the first for the group, but it will definitely not be the last. 

 

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Next stop for the Pinoypoets is the upcoming lecture of Angelo Suarez in August. No definite date and venue yet, so watch out for the official announcement here at www.pinoypoets.com.