by daithí
It was a typical April week: warm sunny weather teasing us all. And on April 27, the gods couldn’t decide whether the sun should come out or rain or do something else entirely. Nonetheless, I ventured over to St. Johnsbury to share poetry together in the Caledonia Food Coop. Anne Campbell emceed the event. Note: this is the 10th year that St. Johnsbury has celebrated Poetry Month in April.
What I can tell you is the following: every speaker was warmly welcomed and received. Sarah Audsley, a Korean American adoptee raised in rural Vermont, shared well-crafted poetry, mostly from her book, Landlock X: Poems.
A trio of poets from St. Johnsbury approached the podium. Juliet, Amanda, and Angela read from three paper chains of poetry written by folks in the community slong the themes of belonging, kindness, and safety. Juliet shared a poem that fused the elements she had seen and heard from.
Beth read her poem about chicken pie suppers and how she changed her own recipe to support a community effort–but will continue her family favorite at home. She also told the audience that the paper chain was something that her mother, an elementary teacher, taught her to enjoy as a youngster. Also, since St. Johnsbury receives some revenue from its Correctional Facility, the chains brought to mind that some folks remain in prison and that Restorative Justice has made inroads.
The last person, Karen, told about her recent illness followed by her relocating to St. Johnsbury. Her poem, “The Lighthouse Keeper,” spoke about how appreciative she was for being guided along the way. One line that I felt strongly was “we have all gotten lost.” Fortunately, now that she has landed in St. Johnsbury, she is getting more grounded and supported.
Hats off to St. Johnsbury and their commitment to community and poetry throughout the years!
