Syke back to adjudicate popular poetry brawl

Award-winning poet and writer, Robyn Sykes is returning to judge next month’s Molong Poetry Brawl — one of the popular highlights of the Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival.

The highly competitive poetry brawl is a battle between bush poets, although the exact difference between poetry and bush poetry seems to be one of much contention.

Robyn was kind enough to explain the definition that she has adopted.

“It’s a traditional rhyming verse, that’s about Australia or the Australian way of life, so it’s a very broad definition,” Robyn explained.

So, what exactly is our judge going to be looking for?

The thrill of a good bush poem is about far more than just the subject matter, she said, it’s about the journey it can take you on, the way it grips and moves you.

“I’m looking for someone who connects to their audience. So, their subject matter needs to be something the audience identifies with,” Robyn said.

“When you’ve written a good poem, you can see that the audience are enthralled — they’re right there in the palm of your hand. And a good performer will always know if they’ve got their audience, or they don’t.”

Of course, as competitive as it is, it's not all serious. Poetry brawls are about having fun and creating a great atmosphere between performers and the audience.

“A poetry brawl is usually a bit of a party atmosphere, so usually there’s a lot of humour,” Robyn said.

“It doesn’t mean you can’t do a serious poem though; I actually find that people like to have a mix.”

Poems are limited to one minute and must be original. This year, the poems must all use the phrase “been there before.”  Participants can recite, rap or sing their poem, either by themselves or with a group.

Now back for her third year judging the competition, Robyn fondly reminisced about the community spirit she witnessed on her first visit to Molong.

“I really have a very special place in my heart for the Molong Poetry Brawl, because it seemed as though the whole community had come out to celebrate,” she recalled.

And in the wake of last year’s destructive flooding, Robyn believes events like this have the ability to heal a community.

“Molong has had a difficult year with floods and things, and I think the arts have a really great way of healing. I hope everyone comes out and feels the community spirit lift!” she said.

The Molong Poetry Brawl takes place at the Freemasons Hotel, Molong on Saturday, February 18 from 7pm. Bookings are essential.

For more information or to register for the event call Jude Taylor on 0405 021 265