Finding my niche - Poetry Outdoors!

I have a framed poster on my bedroom wall that says: Poetry, like bread, is for everyone. In recent years, I’ve stumbled upon a genre I didn’t know existed: Poems for public outdoor display. I’ve been honored to have my work selected for cool locations close to home. Burlington, Vermont, led by The Burlington Writers Workshop has created a year-long Poetry Path on a well-traveled recreation trail. Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, fills store windows, eateries and public spaces with poster-sized poems for their annual PoemCity celebration in April (National Poetry Month). In February, my poem “January Flock” was part of Winterdeep, a stunning illuminated nighttime event in Shelburne, VT. How could I not rejoice to find my work displayed on a massive hand-made rice paper screen, suspended between two trees? My poem was perfectly paired with artwork by children’s book illustrator Ashley Woolf and recorded for path-travelers by the inimitable Alison James, who conceived and produced the event with her multi-talented husband and educator Joplin Wistar.

Of course I wlll always love being published in print and online journals and anthologies. But being within sight and reach of random passersby fills my heart, strengthens my belief that anyone can welcome a poem into their day.