As this post goes live the last event of the Poetry Saves Lives festival is taking place at the 106 Gallery in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. I participated as a volunteer and also read at some of the open mic sessions.

At this point I am halfway through a two-week vacation, and though I am relaxing and recharging I seem to find more and more tasks, errands, and chores to fill my days. I understand from my older friends that this is what retirement looks like. If that is the case, it’s not so bad.

Reading

Since this was a week of poetry events, I have been reading poetry! I have The Confluence, the collection of Grand Rapids poets which I picked up at the launch event a few days ago. And also a collection of Neruda, and a new acquisition, Pain and Pleasure, from local poet Shayna “Akanka” Marie. That’s enough words to keep me occupied through the rest of my vacation time.

Writing

My writing has fallen off a little, due to the amount of time I have spent volunteering at the Poetry Saves Lives festival. But I have another week of vacation coming up with no specific commitments, and the days will be sunny and pleasant. Perfect for sitting on the porch with a pile of books and pens.

Weekly Writing Prompt

Subject: Environment, Empire
Setting: Battlefield
Genre: Dystopian

Listening

The theme to Near Dark, by Tangerine Dream.

Interesting Links

• “What we know about the criminal investigation into US congresswoman Ilhan Omar” (Brandon Drenon, BBC)