Peter Norman, author of the Mansfield Press titles At the Gates of the Theme Park and Water Damage, deftly took the top prize at last week’s Poetry NOW Battle of the Bards at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. As a result, Peter has been invited to appear at two onstage events at the International Festival of Authors next October. Peter’s reading last Wednesday was classic: punchy, funny, a bit creepy, and one that left the audience eager for more.
Two other Mansfield authors were among the 19 poets — chosen by a random draw — vying for the big prize, and they also gave powerful readings: Jim Smith read from Happy Birthday, Nicanor Parra and Lillian Necakov read from Hooligans.
Congratulations to all three Mansfield poets, as well as to the worthy runners-up at the Battle of the Bards!
