Albuquerque Poet
Laureate Program (APLP)
Poetry Hike
(a
few photos and more to come)
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Celebrating the diversity of
Albuquerque's many nuances is at the core of the Poet Laureate
Program. Joining together and elevating awareness is in the
poet's soul. Lovers of poetry are everywhere, and the Duke City
abounds with the culture of adventure.
The morning of November 19th was
promising to usher in the just right mix of sun and sky, words
and people, food and laughter. The veg chili and turkey chili
were stewing--the salads prepared, the buffet table casually
waiting.
In an effort to bring community
together in support of the Albuquerque Poet Laureate's Program,
a special event was enjoyed by over thirty lovers of poetry and
the outdoors this past November. Traditionally, the Albuquerque
Hiking and Outdoor Meetup has two or three poetry hikes each
year.
http://www.meetup.com/hiking-204/events/37965742/ The idea
was conceived several years ago by Aaron Greenwood, an outdoor
enthusiast and local poet. Members hike and either read poetry
along the trail, or later gather at a home and enjoy a potluck
meal and then share poetry. In the past the hikes have been
themed, i.e. Twentieth Century Poets, Russian Poets, etc. The
theme this time was Poet Laureates.
Hikers and poets gathered at a
hiker's home, carpooled over to Elena Gallegos open space where
they paused at an overlook above the duck pond and several
people shared a poem by a Poet Laureate.
Later back at the house all
enjoyed a meal, spirited conversation, and settled in for the
Featured Poets of the evening including: ABQ poets Jules Nyquist,
Stewart Warren, Lauren Schwartz, and NY poet, John Roche.
After, anyone was able to read. Almost everyone had selected a
wondrous poem written by a poet laureate and shared it a loud
with the group.
In addition to an opportunity
to mix it up a bit, we even raised a little money for our first
Albuquerque Poet Laureate.
--Lauren Schwartz,
Albuquerque, NM
