Photo taken by Apparan, co-founder of Art House project, London
This well-known adage, generally attributed to Fred R. Barnard, sprang to mind when I saw this photo.
I was intrigued by the array of expressions and wish I knew what they were thinking. I wish the focus on my promise cards was sharp enough to see which one elicited such reactions. I think I have an idea, but I can’t be sure.
It was taken at Art House Project London’sPurple Reign exhibition opening on Saturday, March 7th 2026. The event coincided with International Women’s Day and was part of celebrating International Women’s Month. Apparan, the organiser and co-founder of Art House project London, wanted the exhibition opening to start with spoken word. One of the exhibiting artists contacted me and asked me to be one of four poets.
I opened the spoken-word set with a poem called, Promises to Myself. The picture above gives you a sense of the response it received. Without the words, the opening picture would not be speaking so loudly. You can watch a recording of the poem and see if any part of it resonates with you.
The Purpose of Poetry
In a 2021 World Poetry Day speech, Olive Senior, former poet laureate of Jamaica, said,
‘Why poetry?’ some might well ask. Especially at this time.
Yet, one of the things that the pandemic is demonstrating is how people around the world are turning to poetry for consolation and emotional sustenance. Part of the magic of poetry has always been its ability to bring communities together at times of celebration or bereavement…
Not all poetry is the same, of course. There is the poetry that is meant to harass our brain cells, leave us reeling from shock or bring us to laughter or tears…
And of writing in general, Octavia E. Butler, an American science-fiction author, set an intention to
tell stories filled with facts. Make people touch and taste and know. Make people feel! Feel! Feel!
When I saw these words of Octavia Butler, it put into words my own desire. When I share poetry, I hope and pray that it positively impacts at least one person. That a word or phrase will resonate with someone. Of course, one hopes there is more than one. But if there is at least one, I’ll feel I have done what I needed to do.
Let’s create more picture moments
If you are planning an event, why not pair it with poetry and experience some of its power? Fill out the booking enquiry form, providing as much detail as possible. Let’s see if our purposes align and how we can turn ideas into tangible action.
