I am inviting you to a reading event which I call Experiences of Learning to Love a Forest. This is more than just me reading poems, but all of us discussing and exploring places that have meaning for us.
My first encounter with the forest was ecstatic. A universe opened up, my heart expanded – setting the tone for our unfolding relationship.
The first poem I wrote as I was exploring the forest is called An Amble Through the Forest - First Date.
A vibration swells within
when truth rises. Ambling,
knowing forest calls.Life mingling with death.
Yielding trees with life growing in, on–
softly glowing fungi, many mosses,
infant trees with two perfect leaves,
back to back, taking all
they face to find sky.Small cracks come to life.
Voice after voice calls.
Slow step by slow step
on leaf-layered, warming
earth’s membrane. Pulled
to a boulder engulfed in green.Globe of life
entangled in tree’s octopus roots.
Ferns, gentle braking waves.
Hemlocks gather, lure with scented needle beds.I’m a lightening rod, receiving life.
Starlit sky of life forms
communicating, collaborating.
A cappella hymn.Strong winds sweep overhead, gather
branches in sashaying swarms.
Light riding wind.Barely standing trees gesture anguish
as struck warriors, brave guardiansuniting sun and earth.
Join me for this free event! I love sharing my poems inspired from the forest, and receive inspiration as, together, we deepen our connection to Mother Earth.
We’ll begin by centering with a candle.
I’ll give you context for this work and we’ll learn about how we can Dwell — form intimate relationship with — a forest, or our home, or… anywhere.
We’ll all then amble through the poems I’ve written with the forest — the primary way I’ve Dwelled with the forest — taking our time to discuss how a poem speaks to you as I read them.
We’ll then discuss other ways we’ve engaged open-heartedly with a forest.
We’ll close by offering any other insights, or offering questions that will help us all further submerge into learning ways to love a forest.
-Bill
PS- Everyone who registers will also receive a coupon code for 10% off my book Dwelling, Learning to Love a Forest!
DETAILS
- Online readings can be set up with Bill by filling out the form below.
- The online readings are hosted on Zoom.
- Gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people and are free.
Please get in touch with Bill by filling out the form below if you are interested in setting up a reading.
Date
TBC
Time
TBC
Type of Event
Online Experience
Cost
Free
About Bill
Bill is a poet and an architect, who tells stories through space, form and words. He founded Helicon Works Architects, a unique architectural collaborative community, in 1989, based in Takoma Park, MD, where he lived with his family until 2019. Bill now lives at his wife's ancestral home in Vermont where he continues to practice architecture and enjoy the forest.
Praise for LEARNING TO LOVE A FOREST Experience
Thanks for the reading last night. I enjoyed it. I appreciate the path you are on, of knowing yourself through knowing and loving that forest. It looks like a fruitful path.
It was nice to be able to share myself and to hear others share. Somehow, creating a space with a theme around which people can remember and share their own stories, allows us to feel connected with each other and with the Earth/Forest. And feeling/being connected is what it’s all about, don’t you think?
Marcus
Darin
I loved listening to you reciting the poems -- I had read just about all of them this afternoon, and there were all these echoes...