"The wood sprouted
and threw a canvas shelter
Over wannabe poets.
Freshly minted words
blossomed @Twig.Poem.Method
A group of seven people came together for a lovely, companionable and relaxed poem writing. Most of us were uncertain and hesitant to put thoughts and words down but under Eileens' gentle coaxing and with the help of the tools she provided we all soon got into the flow.
Her invitation explained "This Words From the Wild Wood event is one of our initiatives to connect people with nature, and to create communities with whom we can share and conserve the Copse in diverse ways. Essentially, it is an opportunity to spend time in Oxfordshire Badger Group’s wood, writing. You are free to spend the whole time writing in whatever way you wish and using whatever ‘equipment’ you prefer. Pen/pencil/laptop/clipboard/notebook … whatever you like!
If you are very new to the idea of writing a poem or story or simply putting together some words that you like – then there will be some helpful exercises for you to try, if you wish to. Or - you can ‘just write.’
It was a lovely cloudless, bright early spring day, the wood just beginning to wake up from winter. Very peaceful - it felt good to take time out and just breathe in the green life and let the happiness and poems flow.
We started with "Automatic writing" taking a magazine article and paring it down into a poem. There was no pressure to share your work with the others, but most of us did - there was no judgment or right and wrong- I proud of everything I produced, like a child learning to walk. My project came from a tourist 'day out' article which became:
A dose of culture
Fine walking
Rich history on display
Spectacular views 300 million years old
Given a characterful revamp.
Over the lunch break we had the chance to walk around the copse, browse the poetry books for ideas or carry on writing. Some found a quiet spot and went away to be alone and just write. Eileen led the remainder through a variety of exercises during the afternoon session. One was to start every line with the same letter:
Light on the leaves
Luminous walk
Ludicrous wondering
Later we'll wine.
She explained Haiku - 3 lines, 5 syllables and seasonal reference. I love Haiku, but found writing one pretty tough.
Ravens clacking shout
Breaks the fresh green day
Arck Arck of the sun
The session ended about 3pm and we reluctantly said farewell to our new friends and packed up to to leave the wood as pristine as we found it - until the next time
Inspired, brain tired
Restless mind be still
Let time flow over you
- Linda Ward