“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.

SPOT Reading List

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

SPOT Write Prompt

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.