A simple letter home, from a son to his father, was the opening piece at this past week’s Tuesday Talk Night. These heartfelt words penned over 95 years ago, by a young man on a battlefield far away were especially poignant at this time of remembrance. Read by David Ridley, the words came from letters written by his father who was part of the British Expeditionary Forces in Europe, during World War I. It was a fitting beginning to an evening that celebrated words and the common bond they create among people who love them.
Tuesday Talk Night at the Cowichan Lake Branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library lived up to its name and purpose. From the words of beat poet, Allen Ginsberg, to quotes from Winston Churchill, to the lyrics of Blink 182 there was truly something for everyone.
David Ridley chose to read his father’s letters as it seemed a fitting piece, with Remembrance Day so close.
“The lines about the horses dragging the guns up to the front through the mud were very powerful. My father was just a young man of 23 in 1917 when he wrote that letter,” said Ridley.
Local historian and Gazette columnist, Rolli Gunderson shared tales of Lake Cowichan’s past and some favourite and timely quotations. LCSS student, Skylar Anderson read excerpts from a short story in progress and sobering lyrics from Adam’s Song by Blink 182.
Newcomer to the area, Stewart Flinn shared several original songs accompanying himself on the cittern, a 10 stringed instrument of Celtic origin which he made himself.
“It was said tonight that it’s not the destination that counts, it’s the journey,” said Flinn. “This instrument is like that, I add a little more to it every year or so. It started out as a flat top, then one year I carved an arched top and another year a new neck.”
Poet, songwriter, DJ and writer, Randy Liboiron read a piece he’d written from the book Out of the Warm Land –Volume One, a compilation of work by Valley poets.
The next Tuesday Talk Night will be held on Dec.4 at the Cowichan Lake Library. Everyone is welcome.