“The pitcher cries for water to carry and a person for work that is real.”
~ Marge Piercy
This week we gathered to talk about Work and Labour. Work can be messy! Sometimes work can get done quickly, but some goals require people who can tirelessly wade through the mud to pull progress forward, inch by inch. The labours of our hands can be what grounds us when we feel untethered by gried. It is through the labour of women giving birth that we all enter this world. We concluded with a prayer from John Lewis – one who lived his life pulling society forward.
Next time’s theme is “Spring” and will take place via Zoom March 22nd.
A list of the poems we read
I’ve added some links where I could to the poems, poets or books if you would like to explore.
The Filling Station by Elizabeth Bishop
To Be of Use by Marge Piercy
Our Real Work by Wendell Berry
Poet’s Work by Lorine Niedecker
Untitled by Carl Sandburg from Harvest Poems
I could not find that poem, but here is another of his for good measure!
The Year After by Virginia Hamilton Adair
Birth in Innovic by Robbie Drummond from The Naked Physician
Prayer of John Lewis from Across that Bridge
Poetry reading & writing prompt for next week
Prompt/Theme: “Spring”
When we meet again, bring along poems inspired by the theme. There is no obligation to write, but if you feel inspired, you are welcome to bring your poem to share at the next gathering.