At the end of August Jordanne Kennaugh was announced as the 10th Manx Bard at the inauguration event in Colby. Each year the Island’s most worthy poet is appointed as Manx Bard via an annual competition. In recognition of the Isle of Man's proud poetic heritage, the title of First Manx Bard was awarded posthumously in 2014 to Manx national poet T.E. Brown.
We chatted to Jordanne about where she gets her inspiration when writing, some of her favourite poets and with her permission we also have her winning poem to share with you all.
When did you start writing poetry?
I have always loved words. I would get lost in books as a child and loved the places language could take you. I started writing around age 7 or 8, poems and occasionally short stories. My Nan recently found an old poem I’d written as a child titled ‘My Pony’ and it was so nostalgic for me to read. In hindsight, I wish I had saved my early work. It would be so interesting to see the journey from how I wrote then to how I write now!
Do you have a favourite poem or poet?
I couldn't choose a favourite as I love too many styles! Some of my most read are poems by Frost, Tennyson, Wordsworth and Duffy. Canadian poet Rupi Kaur and British poet Hollie McNish really speak to me too. Also, we can’t forget the abundance of literary talent on our doorstep! Owen Atkinson’s book of poetry – Nature Is Real and So Am I – is beautiful writing.
What inspires you the most when writing poetry?
Usually when I write it is emotionally motivated; comes from feelings of happiness, anger, sadness and all emotions in between. I see poetry as a safe outlet, especially for feelings that could be destructive if acted upon instead of written down. I love to write about scenes that move me or inspire me in some way. The people and world around me are the biggest influence.
You found out you'd been named the new Bard while you were at Creamfields, since music and poetry go hand in hand would you ever like to see any of your poems set to music?
Lyrics are just another form of poetry, and as a music lover I would be delighted to see my work performed in song form, although maybe not to the kind of music I was listening to at Creamfields! Sadly, I don’t play any instruments, but if anyone is looking for some new song lyrics, feel free to hit me up! We can split the royalties..
What does being chosen as the 10th Manx Bard mean to you?
Being chosen as the tenth Manx Bard is an incredible honor and also very humbling. It means so much to me to be entrusted with this role, which carries a rich legacy of creativity, culture, and storytelling. I’m so privileged to be part of this tradition, and to represent the vibrant literary spirit of our island.
How would you make poetry more accessible to the Manx public and what sorts of things do you have planned furing your tenure as the Manx Bard?
To make poetry more accessible, I think we need to break down the idea that it's something distant or only for certain audiences. I feel a lot of my work is very relatable, and when you can relate you can emote, which is what I think poetry is about – our emotions are one of the things that make us human. Increasing its visibility in our communities could spark people’s interest and encourage people to get involved, whether that’s through reading, writing or just coming to poetry events and listening to some lovely words.
I am just your average joe - an angsty millennial with a normal 9-5 job - so if I can do it, anyone can. Poetry is for everyone, no qualifications required! I’m currently working on some ideas to bring poetry into the spotlight – Operation PTTP (Poetry to the Public) – and reaching out to the relevant people that should be able to assist me.
One of my visions is to have poems visible in more cafes, restaurants and coffee spots. I see so many bare blackboards and empty pages in menus that are just crying out to display some poems. What an interesting and different subject to discuss over a dinner date or coffee with a mate. So pretty soon, I will be pestering the business owners and managers to get involved, watch this space!
With Jordanne's permission, here is the poem that she believes secured her the title as 10th Manx Bard.
