Book Launch Speech  -  Friday Feelings

To be or not to be,

That is the question,

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind

To bear the slings and arrows

Of outrageous fortune or

To accept this accolade with dignity.

I am a child of generation upon generation of illiterate peasant farmers, none of whom ever put a step over the threshold of a schoolroom. And yet, here I stand today with a book of published poems.

I would like to thank Janet for her great artwork. Her excellent art stands on its own and also enhances the poems they have been matched with. In addition, the vibrant colours set off the book wonderfully.

I would like to thank Simon who spent hours passing his professional eye over the poems and improved them, making the book all the better for his hard work.

I thank Aim for supplying suitcases full of Rupees to fund the project and hope this relationship will continue.

Finally, I would like to thank the midwife who delivered me into this cruel, cruel world all those years ago. Apparently, I came out quite slippery, and the midwife was all fingers and thumbs and I slipped through her flailing hands and banged my head. It was this intervention of destiny that awakened the creativity in me. Had I not have been so slippery and had she not been a butter fingers, and had I not then banged my head, I would not be here today launching this book. So, really, I have my midwife to thank the most of all.

Thank you all for listening.