Friday, October 8, 2010

A Poetry Workshop - Part 3


The poetry workshop led by Scott Cairns at the Laity Lodge writers retreat extended over two days, Friday and Saturday. Each session was three hours of discussion and readings, with some additional hours (for me, anyway) for the overnight assignment.

If someone had told me that by following Sam Van Eman’s blog New Breed of Advertisers almost two years ago that I would end up a writer for The High Calling and in a poetry workshop in southern Texas, well, who’d of thunk it? And read a poem I’d written to a group of people I scarcely knew? Who’d of thunk that, too? Two years ago, writing poetry wasn’t even on my radar scope.

But there I was, sitting with 11 other people, listening and talking, listening and commenting, being part of the silence after each poem was read.

At the Sunday worship time, I found myself sitting between two of the poetry workshop participants, Cameron Lawrence and Joan Fry. Another participant, Brian Williams, was sitting on the other side of Cameron. (At the brunch afterward, I would sit with Joan and still another participant, Jean Dunham.) In a few short hours, poetry had created a bond.

So, I’ve written this, for Scott Cairns and all of the workshop participants (Brian Williams, Cameron Lawrence, Joan Fry, Jean Dunham, Bill and Diana Bridgman, Mary Earle, Angela Carlson, Olga Samples Davis and Verbie Ann Helyger).

Workshop

We sit circular,
approximately,
holding pages filled
with hope and
desire and not
a little anguish.
And he says,
the opposite of faith
is not doubt;
the opposite of faith
is anxiety.
We nod.
Tentatively, then
more boldly, we read,
our words suffused
with Spirit, a cascade
of worship.

Photograph: Waterfall at the dam, Laity Lodge; courtesy of my cell phone.

13 comments:

Cassandra Frear said...

I love this 3 part series of posts here, Glynn. Just love it.

Vulnerability is one of the writer's greatest hurdles.

Michael said...

I echo Cass on this. I've loved what has come from this series.

I also agree with what you said the other day...posting poems is difficult because they tend to be revealing. I couldn't imagine reading them aloud in front of a group.

Louise Gallagher said...

I am in awe.

Of your spirit being touched by Spirit.

Of your words opening me up to Spirit.

Thank you.

L.L. Barkat said...

It really is unbelievable. But there you were. I saw you. You kept me awake on the way to San Antonio (a good thing, since I was driving :)

Megan Willome said...

I love Olga!

Maureen said...

Your posts on the retreat have been a delight to read, offering new insights into all of you who were there.

I'm glad you kept LL awake, too!

Laura said...

This is so touching. I"m thinking of something Jeffrey Overstreet said in our workshop--about how a good story is like a circle that we invite others into; and that by telling the story in circuit (less direct, more mystery), we are able to appeal to a wider audience.

I think poetry must be the same.

Unknown said...

"the opposite of faith
is not doubt;
the opposite of faith
is anxiety."

Oh. OH! That's right. That is why I look up.

Duane Scott said...

I want to join you
in that little lodge
sharing not only faith
but honesty.
I want to join you
and praise together
to the Creator
who joins us in heart.

Duane Scott said...

I want to join you
in that little lodge
sharing not only faith
but honesty.
I want to join you
and praise together
to the Creator
who joins us in heart.

Ann Kroeker said...

You make me wish I'd signed up for Scott's workshop!

Anonymous said...

you and your cell take lovely images.

it sounds a wonderful time.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

rocking talent,
thoughtful piece...
may your words always shine with much enthusiasm and wisdom.
Good Luck for the work shop.