Editor’s note: At Oregon State Penitentiary, we read Mary Oliver’s poem October in our workshop. Each participant was given the poem with a different title written at the top. This led to a discussion about how a title may influence an interpretation — we were so engrossed in the conversation that, we almost forgot to read Mary Oliver’s title. Stressla wrote this reflection of the conversation.)
What is in a name?
I think about names (nature, writing …) from feelings generated while I am still, and as I listen to the words (ideas, thoughts, and expressions …) shared by the collective minds in this shared space. The minds absorbed in this energy circulate words and phrases and sets them free into the ether of this created space.
Writing Workshop
NB and MR delivered the vision to my brain that expressed the energy of the room through words and phrases. TS and DW produced an exceptional energy for engineering the scaffold to work around the ideas, visions, and images emerging from the depths of individual’s experience. A kind of organic framework created and reconnected our minds to the natural world. When I joined this writing workshop, I was very aware of the intention to create the idea, the words, and then the actions that manifested into this space; that space; a space.
So, what is in a name?
The natural essence for love; a Life Force, sustainable joy; and the power to realize all the wonderful existing experiences available right now. Connected by words. A connection that lives and breathes; capable of touching the natural cosmic energy of space and time. Being present in those moments in which you feel both of your feet firmly on the ground; seeing clearly the wonderful souls and spiritual energy around you in the created spaces while hearing your voice echoed in theirs. Each week the workshop provides an open demonstration of being connected to the natural, organic world.
As I read Preparing to Sleep (my substitute title for Oliver's piece, October), I felt the words and phrases based on the accumulated knowledge about sleeping and the rituals that goes into that preparation. So, it was interesting to hear the other reflections on the same piece with different titles. It was immediately noticeable that each interpretation had a connection to a sense of longing ... and a sense of already belonging.
What is in a name?
A rhythmic vibrational wave that often time is oscillating on a human frequency that my brain, our brains will tune into, harmonize and become a vocalization of the core/central theme.
I have witnessed the organic phenomenon produced by this space; that space; the "here” space with a vocabulary that transports the feelings created in the heart, soul, spirit, and mind. In an interview from Penguin Random House Mary Oliver stated: “... you write poetry when you’re talking to yourself.” This is a true statement for the scaffolding surrounding The PonyXPress weekly workshop space. When we read poetry or listen to a poem being read, I become connected to essence of the creative thoughts of the poet. We all do.
In the process of everyone sharing their reflective words and thoughts, I am connected to another level of understanding. There is a universal theme that we each interpret with our own words. | SLJ