The 1000 Verse Renga

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The Renga Project
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has now reached over 1000 verses
and is now extended right up to Christmas.

Roger McGough: "This is a lovely idea."


An open invitation to poets and the public
This is an open invitation to all the residents of Bath, and to all the poets and writers in Bath to collobrate on this unique project.

We urge you to help us create a super poem that is jointly written by the public and local, national and international poets.

We believe this super renga will stand as an extraordinary social document, as well as a riveting poem, all at the same time.

Competition
A competition is also being planned for the best verses in various categories: poets local and international; the general public; and from children.

This is a unique project drawing experienced writers and international haiku and renga poets and their contributions together with from the general public.

As the Japanese Embassy roving "Japan-UK 150" haiku & renga poet-in-residence currently based at Bath Central Library (situated upstairs in The Podium Shopping Centre) and in partnership with Bath Libraries from June to December 2009 (and New Year 2010), I set a challenge starting on National Poetry Day in October for the residents of Bath and North East Somerset to create the world's longest poem using the renga form of poety (see below).



This project becomes more than a poem, it allows people to reveal aspects of their life, their worries, their fears, it creates a unique time capsule for the residents of this area:

and with verse contributions from all over the world from people who do care about people beyond their geographical boundaries:

Bath Chronicle: Councillor Terry Gazzard, Bath and North East Somerset Council's cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture said: "B&NES' libraries are a place where words can come alive and everyone has the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. Schemes like this poetry project bring the whole community together and reinforce Bath's reputation as a global centre for the arts."

Bath Chronicle quote me:

"Libraries are a place of words, and as someone who promotes the love of words, what better place could I choose to launch this incredible type of poem, where the public write the poem – not the poet."

I also want everyone to join in with this totally inclusive group poem!

Bath Central Library: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives