Tonight, Talking Earth airs the poetry of local writers Jon Thomas and Laurel Airica. Patrick Bocarde will host.
Laurel Airica has been peering into puns and the ‘cymbals’ of the alphabet since early childhood. In the process she developed insights into language she later discovered were held by leading philosophers in ancient cultures of the East and West; namely, that –
• Words speak for themselves in ways that both reflect and affect the cultural assumptions we mistake for reality and the innate wisdom we possess as humans;
• Creative wordplay can enhance literacy, turn a punster into a pundit, and lead us back to a primal recognition of the power of The Word to impact the quality of our World.
Ms. Airica presents her WordMagic perspective – in verse and prose – to public and private audiences on stage and in the classroom (4th Grade-Grad School). Her unique brand of metaphysical ‘rap’ has drawn comparisons with Shakespeare, James Joyce, Dame Edith Sitwell, Ogden Nash, Dr. Seuss, and graphic artist M.C. Escher. It also won the admiration of Dr. Leonard Shlain, author of The Alphabet vs. the Goddess among other bestsellers.
To preview her work, do an on-line search for ‘Language of the Birds and Laurel Airica'.
Jon Thomas is a poetry enthusiast and wordsmith who gets his energy from connecting people and ideas. He has been called an alchemist, wiz-ward, bard, and "cunning linkquist."
He serves on the board for RAMA - Rainbow Arts Medicine Alliance, co-hosts a cyrptocurrency podcast called, "Comm-Press," and is a Barista at Sound Grounds Cafe, where he regularly MC's Poetry Night.
He is a Portland State University Graduate, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Community Development. His current work advocates "coining words," because language is the currency that buys a meaningful life of great reward.
- KBOO