One of my Projects was The Poet Tree which I have previously documented. I started this project in August 2020. At that time I decided to post a poem on a large eucalypt tree in the reserve directly behind our house. We are able to access this greened space via a gate.
Every day people walk along this greened, open area with their dogs, children, friends. The idea I had in mind was to share a short poem sprinkled with humour and optimism in the hope it would lift the collective spirits- mine included. Occasionally, other poets attach poems to the tree. I have also received feedback in the form of appreciative notes and stories of people looking forward to each new poem. From my study window I see and hear people stopping to read my little poems. That's a buzz...
These poems remain posted for 8-10 days before being replaced. After their time in the wilds, the poems are each brought inside and given a safe resting place in one of my writer's notebooks. Some come back a little tattered and torn, but I am able to salvage them for poetic posterity.
Here are a few from my extensive collection:
How wonderful! Cheers to a year of Poet Tree readings. I'm especially fond of Robert Red Ford. What fun, what beauty and what love for your community that you would share your gifts this way. You inspire.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your generous response Linda. I'm pleased by your enjoyment of the humour. We live in communities not economies was a common catch cry throughout last year, so community must be nourished and sustained.
DeleteI love this so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Lee. It began as such a simple way of supporting myself and my community and now it is driving my efforts to find other ways to contribute- so I am most grateful to The Poet Tree.
DeleteOh my goodness Alan! So many wonderful poems here! I love "Covid Exercises" and "Don't Chase the Present." "Robert's Red Car" made me chuckle and "This Poem" is just wonderful. These are each worthy of their own spotlight. What lucky neighbors you have and how wonderful to have found a way to use creativity to stay connected in this strange time. Thank you for sharing them with us, your virtual Poetry Friday neighbors.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elisabeth. A number of our near neighbours live alone, so it is even more important to forge connections to overcome that sense of isolation.
DeleteAlan, I want to congratulate you for creating this amazing project that brought joy to many, including you. Humor & inspiration are found in your poems. You must have been thrilled to hear people speak about your project while congregating around your Poem Tree.
ReplyDeleteI have very much appreciated the responses to this humble little project. It is helping to inspire further effort. Thank you for gracious remarks Carol. You are right in suggesting I too have gained from this- without a doubt, it has delivered me to a better place.
DeleteThese are pretty great, Alan--how fun for you and for your community.
ReplyDeleteThanks Heidi. I like to think that this project is indeed a win-win outcome. It has delivered much that makes me smile.
DeleteThis is an incredible gift to your community. As Naomi Shihab Nye would say, 'see poetry everywhere'. You have created that with these poems.
ReplyDeleteI like your Naomi Shihab Nye quote Jone. I love the idea of poetry being everywhere. When I lived and worked in New York I used to regularly see poetry in the subway carriages as part of a project called 'Poetry In Motion.' I loved that I could read poetry on a train while travelling home. It made a lasting impression on me. I often challenge young poets to post their poetry in places unexpected.
DeleteA terrific project! "Bark at the sky" indeed. My special favorite is "The Songs My Wife Sings."
ReplyDeleteThank Tabatha. My wife also likes the poem about her singing. She remains a morning 'triller.' I like your bark at the sky reference.
DeleteWhat a gift these poems are to your community! I love the beauty of each and the messages. Bravo! I love the anti-vaxxer poem, first up here in this post--
ReplyDelete"The jab's not compulsory / It isn't a trick / You don't have to have it / So why be a prick?" It made me smile! Thank you for sharing.
Many thanks Denise. Must admit the anti-vaxxer poem did deliver a wicked sense of delight. Glad it made you smile.
DeleteThese are wonderful, Alan! I'm so glad you shared some of your poems here and it's delightful that you see others stop to read and overhear their comments/conversation. What a way to make a positive difference in a difficult time! It's hard to pick a favorite here, (I laughed aloud at several lines in different poems!) but I think I'm partial to "The Songs My Wife Sings."
ReplyDeleteThanks Molly. As I mentioned to Tabatha, my wife is quite partial to the poem that references her singing. She is a bird of the forest in the mornings. Doing this simple little project has provided me with a feeling of involvement and action at a time when we are mostly hunkered down in our various social spheres. It has been a way to reach out to others and also remind my fellow citizens that poetry possesses the power to be quite transformative. We can but try...
DeleteThe Poet Tree! That is such a great way to share poetry.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan. This little project came along at a critical time and has sustained and informed my writing efforts. I sincerely hope it has delivered some hope to others as well.
DeleteLove the project and the poems, Alan. Acute Jabbing Pain is SPOT ON! I am so lucky to live in a state (Massachusetts) that has one of the highest vaccination rates -- 80%+. I simply can't wrap my head around the line of thinking (perhaps they aren't!) of the anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theory believers. On a happier note, I just may need to establish a Poet Tree on our school grounds in the fall. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christie. Wow, the great state of Massachusetts has created a record to be proud with its immunization levels. In Australia we have not had the levels of infection of other countries, but the vaccine role out has badly handled by an unwarranted level of complacency by the federal Govt. Being in winter, infection levels are rising with the more virulent Delta strain and only 13% of the total population has been fully vaccinated -so we are exposed. The idea of a Poet Tree in the school ground brings an immediate smile. Go for it!
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