SIXTY NEW BEGINNINGS: a well of well-wishes
It was one of those nights: the readings were excellent, there were perks and prizes everywhere, the space was beautiful, and you left feeling like you had not only taken something, but given something too.
I don’t want to say much about this event because you’ve probably already heard plenty about it from me. But a member of our community is ill and in need of assistance. You can read her unbelievable (and infuriating) story here (where you can also help her). Many people—some friends, some strangers—offered whatever goods or services they could muster; there was no shortage of donations: a venue to do the readings, the readings (of course), a weekend at a local bed and breakfast, a 60 minute full-body massage, consultations in social media, in screenplay writing, with a literary agent, German lessons, short story editing, books, artwork, music, a reiki session… there was no end to the love we received, an outpouring, a clenched heart, gasp, and a well of well-wishes.
At the end of the night, Sat Jun 18 11, when the raffle and auction were over, I saw one poet hand another poet a stack of bills so big that I swear, for a moment, I thought we could do anything. Pain, suffering, misery… with enough of us, so much of this can be absorbed. You all made me very proud to call this home. Thank you.