D`vorah Elias was born in Korea, abandoned by her mother there, and subsequently adopted to America, where she married the late physicist Vic Elias. Raising four children in London, Ms Elias has also, for her 25 years here, been a member of the Sheila Martindale poetry workshop, which includes some of the best poets of the area, including John Tyndall, who was our featured poet in January, and David J. Paul who will read on June 5th. She is also a playwright.

For a sample of her poems, see: Seven Poems by D’vorah Elias.

(Editor: I’ve read the latest book by most of our featured poets so far, in preparation for their interviews, and, as an amateur poet, have been privileged to learn from all of them. Some have affected me, personally, more than others have. If I sound in my questions to Ms Elias more effusive than I have in other interviews, please take that with a grain of salt. Her poetry happens to suit me. Another poet would suit a different interviewer better. If only we had as many interviewers as interviewees, life would be a breeze!  ....Stan Burfield, Poetry Night organizer.) 

SB:    The biggest emotional traumas in your life had a huge influence on your poetry. What were they? Did you have relatively happy interludes?

A Londoner since 1967, Tyndall has been published in  several anthologies, and many journals. Reflecting an interest in family, love, religion and traditions, his two recent collections, one with poems about the birth and childhood of his son, the second (2006) his family history as well as the illness and death of his mother, have been praised by the University of Toronto Quarterly for the use of "strange and iridescent language". Tyndall also will be reading newer works, both found poems based on an obscure book from 1947 and narratives in various voices, including that of his late father.

SB:   How and why did you get started writing poetry?