The international spotlight was on writers and poets Dionne Brand, Robert Bringhurst, Jeramy Dodds, Carolyn Forché, Don McKay, A.F. Moritz, Michael Ondaatje, Robin Robertson, and David Young, all of whom joined Scott and Krystyne Griffin in Reykjavik, Iceland September 6-12, 2009 to participate in the Reykjavik International Literary Festival.
Saturday, September 12 was the festival’s Poetry Day, with a full afternoon devoted to readings and talks presented by participating Griffin Poetry Prize poets and trustees. Carolyn Forché and Don McKay delivered stirring speeches on the theme of “Why Poetry?”
The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry is saddened to learn of the passing of Fair Isle singer-songwriter, musician and poet Lise Sinclair. We had the pleasure of meeting Lise and learning more about her rare talents when the Griffin Trust and friends visited the Reykjavik International Literary Festival in September, 2009. The Scottish Poetry Library pays splendid tribute to her here.
Griffin Poetry Prize in Reykjavik 2009 Photo Gallery
Please contact webmaster@griffinpoetryprize.com if we have missed anyone’s names in picture captions. Thank you!
Photo credits: Courtesy of the Reykjavik International Literary Festival