Greetings !!!!!

Monday 19TH April 1999

After an initial period of trepidation, frustration, and insecurity, I have managed to negotiate the terrain of the Internet, and hopefully upload my first ever document on the trAce website. I am so relieved to be getting into my poetry places attachment, as I have had nuff things go wrong with my computer. I would really like to thank Leonie for her unconditional commitment to helping me get off the ground and conquer my initial fears.

Anyway · . here goes ....

My main focus is to investigate the possibility of setting up website aimed at bringing the different strands of the African Oral Tradition together, under the working title ~ice of the Griot. ~or too long, spoken wurdforms like RAP, DUB POBTRY, CALYPSO, JAZZOETRY, etc, have all existed in isolation from each other. I want to provide a resource for everyone to access to increase their knowledge about the forms, but to celebrate the existence. As most of these forms are absent from our classrooms, libraries, etc. The Internet provides an ideal space to share and come together without having to justify. I would to communicate with those poets, storytellers, writers, etc, who are pushing back the boundaries of to the spoke word, and redefining the boundaries.

I am also interested in continuing my work, looking at the way creativity can aid personal transformation. Using poetry, I aim to try and discover if the spoken/written word, can assist in defining boundaries pertaining RITES OF PASSAGE. I want to hear from people who are interested in swapping ideas, information, and anything which will assist my goals. I realise now, how fearful interacting with the Internet can be. Despite having written for many years, this process is like starting from a new point, where you have to be open to changing perceptions and thoughts about your process. Currently, I am excited, but mindful of how much technology can intervene on my creativity. Changing the mindset is not such a major problem, providing the balance is correct.

If any of what I’ve written interests you, please E.MAIL me on adika7@aol.com. I am looking forward to getting stuck in, growing in confidence, and realising any potential I may have line.

Martin Glynn

Week 2