Summer Greetings!

All active or aspiring poets are invited to join this informal gathering to re-connect with wild nature through the art of poetry. As always, bring poetry to share, your own or a favorite poet’s, or a relevant prose reading. After sharing we’ll split up to wander, gathering observations and inspirations, or find a special spot to sit and write. This is why we’re here: once we leave the company of other people behind, we’re more open to what the woods may have to say. A little after noon we’ll re-converge for more sharing or just to talk. Don’t forget writing supplies, drinking water, shoes for hiking, bug repellent, a blanket or camp chair (optional).

Panola Mountain State Park is located at 2600 Hwy. 133, Stockbridge GA 30261. It contains one of our area’s “monadnocks,” a trio of unique and ancient geological features that also includes Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Though the least known of the three, it is quite developed, with expanses of mown grass, paved roads and walkways, several clusters of picnic tables and multiple large picnic shelters, each with its own parking lot – and that’s before you even reach the hiking trails.

After entering the park, follow the main road to the Nature Center, where there is ample parking. To the left of the Center you’ll see a walking path that passes under a square wooden archway. Turn left after the archway and follow a gravel path past a hanging-bench swing and a small “Climbing Area” sign. Look across the grass along the edge of the woods for a picnic table off by itself. That’s where we’ll meet. Watch for my “Earth Poetry” signs, and call me if you have trouble finding us (or any questions).

Note: Because this is a state park, a $5 one-day parking pass is required. Click here for directions. I look forward to seeing you!

Earth blessings, Wing
404-645-5590

p.s. Signs are posted warning of West Nile Virus. Mosquito repellent is a must!
p.p.s. You’ll be passing a Little Free Library on the gravel path mentioned above. If you have books to donate, it needs them.

Please pass the word to any Earth Poets you know. Email me at swing1027@gmail.com to join my email list for future workshops. 

Dancing the Solstice

                Katuah Solstice 1993
                Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

We gather on this
ground
so that the creek will flow

We circle here so the day
blooms
out of the black earth again

We touch hands
so that the bees will swarm,
the black bear give birth
on the mountain

We come together
to complete the old familiar
circling of stars,
sing our own rising to the moon,
our own
ecstasy to crickets

We are the tribe of all humans
dancing the solstice,
drumming to the great god
Summer

We call the splintered moment
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