Dear Editor,

What a difference it is to listen to these poems I heard read before - the first one of Haiti, if not the second one that is a conversation with God: But how very different it is to listen to poetry instead of in a room with a few dozen others, to be listening with the whole nation. Oh, the effect of these poems heard on TV 13 was very different indeed. I got goosebumps in a spot or two in response to the one of Haiti. In response to the one that is a conversation with God, at its delicious conclusion, I cried.
How can works like these - how can workers like these be left hidden when the suggestion is that the nation, its youth especially, are so lacking in inspiration?
I almost missed it. I missed a piece. I was busy with important work on my computer. I had to shut it off quick. I so enjoyed last night with Dr. Leon Higgs as Ian's guest on "The Exchange". Who I wondered is he interviewing tonight? I was not in place to catch the earlier broadcast. I had to catch the rebroadcast just after midnight.
I switched on my TV and who do I see, Patti Glinton-Meicholas. Oh, my eyes and ears were greedy indeed. What a knowledge of language. What a vocabulary. What amazing clarity. What a delight that was. How affirming. What hope - what promise it indicates. It was reassuring. It suggests, you know what, we are gonna get there. You were both quite brilliant.
More arts and more artists, Ian and less politics and fewer politicians. I know though that it is all politics but send in or bring in the clowns. Let us not allow the circus to leave town. Oh, the many, many beautiful things - ideas - images Patti is able all at once to juggle. How amazing. How magical.
Wonderful to bring to national attention, our poets. Our writers and artists are certainly worth our attention. We do ourselves a favor to turn to them and a disservice not to. It is a feast - a banquet that I am without end attending. I have always grieved though for a nation and a people that deprive themselves of our finest gems. Why are we hidden and not on display for all to marvel at - to be enjoyed and to be inspired by?
Thank you, thank you, Ian (Strachan) and Patti. What a treat that was. A long awaited moment certainly, finally arrived. Please do not allow to end, what this represents.

-- Obediah Michael Smith

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian