Poetry and stillness are inseparable. Natalie Goldberg writes, “Behind writing, behind words is no words. We need to know about that place.” And Basho’s Haiku, Stillness— / soaking into the rocks, / the cicada’s cries, captures how stillness gives way to expression. Seated in a circle, participants intentionally partake in the resonant cycle of stillness—poetry—stillness. A gong announces a beginning. An invitation is offered. Each participant reads, in turn, one poem with no introduction or commentary, just the poem. The next reader allows a moment to absorb the words before speaking. Poems, written by the participant or someone else, can range through a variety subject, form or focus, while the spirit of contemplation and deep listening guides the invitation and the process. This is a BYOV event. Admission to this event (if applicable) is not included in a festival pass. Performers Jannie Edwards is a poet, editor, teacher and mentor […]