Poetry for Pleasure

The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at the homes of group members and discusses a wide range of poets and themes. Each member brings along 2 poems to read and discuss in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.  We are essentially a poetry reading group, not a creative writing group. However, if a member does occasionally write a poem, we happily encourage them to bring it along.

Sacred Spring

Climbing the rise of ancient oaks
The only sounds, my rhythmic tread
I note a burbling, chattering voice
So stop and turn my head.

Gushing from the ragged scar,
Cascading between the trees,
Over boulders clothed in mosses green
A stream flows wild and free.

The pungent scent of garlic shoots
Spike damp ground near the force,
Which fizzes and splutters through a gap,
The stream’s mysterious source.

From a fissure in the rock,
It forms a tiny pool,
I cup my hands into its depth,
So sweet and fresh and cool.

An aged hazel hangs its arms,
Over this natural fountain spring,
Ablaze with dancing, golden catkins,
What secrets it can bring.

Of dark and wending passages,
Of chasms and bubbling streams,
Until squeezing out into the light
It joins the pool of dreams.

Golden lamb’s-tails hum with bees,
Dangling roots draw from the bowl,
So early cultures sought to find
Wisdom from its sacred soul.

Jenny Hart [group member]