☀️ Poetry Pick-Me-Up (11/07/24)

Enjoy this replay of the 11/07/24 Poetry Pick-Me-Up.

Here are resources shared in the Zoom chat box:

• “Clearing” by Martha Postlethwaite

• “About Standing (in Kinship)” by Kimberly Blaeser https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/155518/about-standing-in-kinship

• Untitled [“You are awakening”] by Venice Williams (see below)

• “Mother Tree” by Phyllis Cole-Dai

• The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer and John Burgoyne

• “Cry Out in Your Weakness” by Rumi

Untitled [“You are awakening”]
Venice Williams

You are awakening to the
same country you fell asleep to.
The very same country.
Pull yourself together.
And, 
when you see me, 
do not ask me
"What do we do now?
How do we get through the next four years?"
Some of my Ancestors dealt with 
at least 400 years of this 
under worse conditions.
Continue to do the good work.
Continue to build bridges not walls.
Continue to lead with compassion.
Continue the demanding work 
of liberation for all.
Continue to dismantle broken systems, 
large and small.
Continue to set the best example 
for the children.
Continue to be a vessel of nourishing joy.
Continue right where you are.
Right where you live into your days.
Do so in the name of 
The Creator who expects 
nothing less from each of us.
And if you are not "continuing" 
ALL of the above, 
in community, partnership, collaboration?
What is it you have been doing?
What is it you are waiting for?

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What’s Poetry Pick-Me-Up?

PPMU is a casual poetry-sharing and discussion group that happens every non-holiday Thursday, 12-1PM Central. FREE! Join us for our next gathering on November 14th. Just hop on the Zoom at this link. 

Bring a published poem (or excerpt) that you’ve recently read to share with the group. Or, just come to listen and to participate in informal but wholehearted conversation.

Please, no original poetry, as we have other opportunities on The Raft for you to present that.

Can’t make it on Thursdays? Catch the replay in one of these Raft newsletters: Events & News, or Rafter Digest. Manage your subscription preferences here.

Want to watch previous Pick-Me-Ups? Find them in the Catch Up! archive of event replays.