Mark Battenberg recently released his new poetry book A Leaf in the Wind, Poetry Faerie Tales and Meditations for Modern Times, which features his own drawings, layouts and composed music.
By YUANTONG ANITA LIU
Beach musician and composer Mark Battenberg recently released his new poetry book A Leaf in the Wind, Poetry Faerie Tales and Meditations for Modern Times, which features his own drawings, layouts and composed music.
“I often write poetry that is themed to my own musical compositions. They are performed together with a narrator who accompanies the musicians at concerts and recitals. I often find poetry is a more expressive medium to present multiple themes in longer epic stories,” said Battenberg in a recent interview with Beach Metro Community News.
The book is a volume of poetry Battenberg has written for more than 10 years.
One of Mark’s poems, entitled The Library, was written for a contest held by the Toronto Public Library in response to the City of Toronto’s debate to close down branches throughout the city. His poem was one of the winners, and Mark was selected to present it to City Council, and speak to the Mayor regarding his concern over the proposed closures.
“That poem received a lot of attention, and I decided to put it together with my other work to create this collection called A Leaf in the Wind,” he said.
Battenberg said this poetry book has two main themes.
“One, is understanding A Leaf in the Wind is a metaphor for our own lives, being born safe and secure on the tree that is our home, and how the winds of life take us away from our roots and send us on a journey full of perils, joys and adventures. We have to learn to float along with the currents and be able to persevere through painful times, while still having empathy for all the other leaves who are also going through these challenges. We are all part of a much larger body than just ourselves and what we do affects everyone else around us.”
Mark’s family moved to the Beach area in 1966, when he was three years old, and he lived in the Bellefair Avenue and Queen Street East area and went to Williamson Road school. He said the Beach has always inspired and encouraged his artistic work.
“All of the poetry in A Leaf in the Wind was inspired by the Beaches area, from growing up here. A major one was the Glen Stewart Ravine where the poem The River Spirit was written about the stream in there,” he said.
Another main poem in the book is called The Hidden Pass, a 13-page epic about a mystic journey of destiny inspired by the day trips he took with his son through the Quarry Lands in the Victoria Park Avenue and Gerrard Street East area when he was young.
Battenberg said the theme of the poem is “We need to be aware of and be careful not to tear down all the beautiful natural environment of the Beaches to build on it. And it’s done because that place is gone now.”
Asked about his role as a musician, Mark said he has been writing and producing community concerts for over 10 years for the winter and summer solstice, to raise food for local food banks.
“It’s always been a really big success and it’s something I love to do, and we bring in a lot of food and awareness for people in the community that are in need,” said Battenberg. “It is like a gift I get to give back to my Beaches area.”
Battenberg said he has noticed that people don’t want to talk about it when they don’t have food or if they need some support, so what artists can do is to spark the fire and bring awareness to people who are willing to help others.
For more information on A Leaf in the Wind, please contact markbattenberg@rogers.com
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