My Way!

And now, the end is near;
and so I face the final curtain...

The time has flown. From Sept 2006 to Dec 2007, I have been the writer in residency at the Lit and Phil. I have enjoyed my time.
I have enjoyed the opportunity and I will missed the limelight.
But I must move on.
The issues are still important, slavery is still happening now around the world.
I will be still researching it, writing about it and talking about it. I'll just not be doing it from the privileged position of the Lit and Phil's writer in residence.
Have I mentioned that I'm going to miss it?

I've managed to achieve a lot during this time in position. Working with local schools and organisations, opening up the Society to those hard to reach groups of people, to using the Society's archives for performances at the Sage, Newcastle University, Cumbria etc.
But the best bit was meeting all the people. All the people I have been able to meet because of this job. Being writer in residence has been my ticket into other worlds. Those worlds that were closed to me as a mere poet.
I thank the Lit and Phil, the committee, the president, the members, the staff and especially Kay Easson for this opportunity and support along the way.

I've had many emails during my time in position from friends, members, audience and participants from events leanding their support ansd congratulations.
Here is just one I'd like to share with you,

"I salute you! It is great that you have opened up this beautiful, dusty old institution and brought it new light. You looked bright and shiny moving amongst those fascinating bookshelves. And, I love the thought of a strong black woman walking the corridors where mainly the white middle and upper classes have walked before. I'm sure there is a book or even a Hollywood film in there! "

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew,
when I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

Until next time
Sheree