Literary Workshop

From Tabby: As writers and artists, how can we come together seeking a way to respond to the chaos of the world, all its injustice and violence? In this workshop we briefly discuss peace as a remedy and a subject in poetry and then free-write peace poems with the assistance of provided prompts. We then inscribe these poems on paper which we use to fold into doves—symbols of peace in many traditions. This gathering allows us to share stories and intentions surrounding peace while folding birds in a co-creative space for curiosity, sorrow, understanding, listening, communion, healing and for the stillness needed to hear the humanity that connects us all. We fold doves in a focusing, quieting, mindful movement of hands, eyes and heart. Some of us may fold a dove for every life flown away to soon while remembering peace can exist within. Others may send up supplications for peace with their folded doves. We may mourn in collective grief while generating hopes and visions for new worlds. If we have time towards the end of the session, we will work on a collective way to exhibit our folded doves—whether strung on a string together or hanging on clothes hangers in an installation piece.