Dark Angels Note 158

Dearest Friends

Welcome back to our Friday Note – our weekly collection of writerly thoughts.

 

Observing

100 years ago this week, The Prophet was first published. The book is a collection of the fictitious philosophical and spiritual sermons of Almustafa as he prepares to leave the island of Orphalese after 12 years and make his long-awaited journey home. Its 26 chapters share lessons on a range of subjects including life, love, family and work.

This collection of prose poetry by Lebanese poet, philosopher and artist, Kahlil Gibran, sold around 1,200 copies in its first year and went on to make Gibran one of the bestselling poets of all time, selling in excess of 10 million copies.

 

Reading

Despite its popularity and universal appeal, according to this article, “The Prophet was panned by many critics in the West who thought it simplistic, naïve and lacking substance.”

Read: Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet: Why is it so loved? – on the BBC.

 

Writing

Think back to a time when you were navigating a big change in your life. Did you turn to a book or poem for reassurance or wisdom? What was it particularly in that writing that helped comfort or guide you?

 

Sharing

Keep sending us any poems, writings, links and writerly whatnots that you’d like to share with the wider Dark Angels family. We love to read them.

 

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Diary

 

Weekly Tuesday Gatherings

Join us for a reflective hour of reading, writing and communing led by Neil Baker. Everyone is welcome – from the Dark Angels community and beyond. We meet at 7pm UK time. To join us, click here on the night. There’s no need to register in advance.

 

Poetry’s Circle of Growth, 19 October 2023

Dark Angels in association with Bloomsbury Festival 2023 presents an inspiring, uplifting and accessible evening of poetry on 19 October 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 at The Art Worker’s Guild, London. Get your ticket here.

 

26 Wordstock @ The Bloomsbury Festival, 21 October 2023

A mini-version of 26’s Wordstock created in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts – a three-and-a-half-hour exploration led by Neil Baker and featuring a selection of speakers (from poets and artists to experts on the natural world). Get your tickets here.

 

A journey into the Sahara, 19-26 November

This is our intrepid journey deep into the Sahara Desert. Jamie Jauncey and Neil Baker will meet you in Marrakech, and take you east into the Atlas mountains, about ten hours later arriving at a stunning desert retreat centre called Cafe Tissardmine. Contact Susanne to find out more.
Be well, keep reading, keep writing and know that we’re always here.

From everyone at Dark Angels