…I greet the black morning and its bright stars, frost pinching my nose, quiet filling my ears. Chiron, a stray dog into a fourth week of fostering, stretches his legs in the yard. We return to the warmth of the house, he exploring the scent left by my dog Mama, part of the family for four years after her rescue from the street. I ready the water kettle for the day’s first pot of tea, and it is time to write in the dark…
Good morning on this first day of November! By now, the sun is rising, as is an eagerness to share the gift of writing with new and old friends. “What is it about you and writing?” some may ask. Well, writing is that that thing that brings song to my soul, that tingles across my spine, and so simply is a joy to share.
Tonight “Writing in the Dark” begins, the first of four sessions at Coyote Wisdom Bookstore on Lansing’s north end. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. For a preview, check out the post “Crossing the Threshold” (Oct. 29). A full description with rates are available on this page.
As part of First Sunday Gallery Walk, I give a poetry reading on November 6, at 2:00pm at Absolute Gallery, 307 East Grand River, Lansing, Michigan. The theme is “Across the Seasons” and selections are from my book “Circle. . .Home.” Thanks to Absolute Gallery owner Kathy Holcomb for the chance to “do” poetry in such an amazing space! Works by many Michigan and Great Lakes artists beautify the store.
And Monday, November 7, I present “Femestiza Writing about War,” a free workshop in collaboration with the Center for Poetry and the Peace Education Center. The session is open to the public and takes place from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities of Michigan State University, Room C201 of Snyder-Phillips Hall (see map). Drop me a line at MelissaHasbrook[at]gmail.com if you plan to come!
In close, I pass on a new poem that arrived yesterday morning on Samhain or Hallow’s Eve Day. It’s seems especially appropriate with Daylight Savings’ Time coming to close this weekend!
Invocation of Light
Light Light
shine bright
no matter
what is said
or sworn
what is done
or tornLight Light
hold tight
no matter
what I see
or hear
what I touch
or fearLight Light
fill night
with matter
what is soul
and sound
what is heart
and foundLight Light
shine bright
hold tight
fill night
with you
