The Magic of Our Poetry Luncheons
What can I tell you about our Poetry & Warm-hearted Lunches? It is difficult, is it not, to speak of experiential gatherings, experiments that hover on the edge of this world and that? The mystical of it, you cannot really tell, it is not repeatable. But perhaps, as they are somewhat unusual, I can sketch out the mechanics of them for you.
They take place in my home, which is on some acreage located on a dead end road in the Township of Mulmur, about an hour and a half north of Toronto. It is an old stone farmhouse built in 1862, with the usual muddle of rooms and tall windows looking out over the surrounding meadows and woodlands. They are hosted by myself, Candice, and the wonderful Alissa, The Contemplative Cook.
The mechanics of the three or so hours together are simple enough. We greet one another over refreshments in the living room and I do a little introduction about poetry in general, and whatever theme has come forward at the time. I read two poems, there is some conversation around them, and then we go into the dinning room where Alissa will have prepared a beautiful lunch. We eat together, with two more poetry readings and further conversation. Then we retire either to the back studio or sunroom for desert and tea/coffee and two final poems. And of course, conversation. In the warmer weather, the gatherings are in the garden or the open back porch overlooking the gardens.
Everyone leaves with a copy of the menu and each of the poems that were shared.
Each gathering is unique because each group of people bring their own atmosphere with them. That, really, is the true magic of the gatherings, the alchemy of those who sit together.
It should be noted that the chatting is always gathered around the poems. It is not social chatter, or talk of the world. This is deliberately left behind, as are our daily struggles, our personal sorrows, or delights, the every day things we fuss about. It is a gathering deliberately curated in every way to draw us to a place where we may imagine, ponder, and consider a new viewing of the world.
Because, more than anything else at this moment in history, a new viewing is what is needed.
So this we offer with our Poetry & Warm-Hearted Lunches - a new lens via the portal of poetry, tender company, and the contemplative offering of nourishment, for body and soul.
“Going to Candice and Alissa’s Poetry luncheon was like pulling back a curtain and opening a window - letting sun and warmth into my soul. The menu was a true gift of kindness from Alissa, and the poetry reading and discussion led by Candice was mind opening, thought provoking, and fun! Such a nourishing, safe, pleasant, grounding experience for which I am grateful”
“Your poetry luncheon was wonderful. You filled me up with your love, your affection, your wisdom, your poetry and your beautiful lunch. It was very special.”
“The food was full of nourishment on so many levels, not just nourishing the body, but also our souls. You two are a force in the world.”
“Thank you for the amazing food and the poetry discussion - both of which I found deeply meaningful - it was a little oasis of peace, in the midst of the chaos that surrounds us these days!”
“I wanted to let you know what a refreshing effect your gathering had on my creativity. The food was beautiful and delicious. And so was the food for the mind!”