Poetry as a tool for transformation. A conversation with Josiane Smith

What good is a poem? How might poetry be a tool for transformation, both personally and collectively? And how does poetry help us to better understand the spirit of our times? 

In this conversation, Mark Vernon and Josiane Smith explore the ways in which poetry goes beyond 'the poem', towards a more soulful way of living; engaging more deeply with the forces of nature and change all around. It can be used in surprising places to console and challenge, it can be a catalyst for our dreams and actions, but can also uplift the mundane everyday. 

Carrying the spirit of realisation throughout, Mark and Josiane explore poetry as an education into, and a language for, the energetics of our times.

In this podcast episode, Josiane reads two of her poems, "The Nightingale" and "Do we have enough faith?” which can be found here - .rockpa.org/poetry-philanthropy-and-climate-action-opening-reflections-at-the-skoll-world-forum/. She also reads from Audre Lorde’s essay, “Poetry Is Not A Luxury”.

Josiane is a poet, philanthropic advisor and Quaker trustee. For more see - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josianesmith

For more about the Realisation Festival see - https://realisationfestival.com/