As autumn’s brilliant, earthy shades succumb to the silvering of winter, and warmth gives way to frozen ground and bone-chilling air, we lift our spirits with festivals and holidays—bringing light, color and celebration into our communities and homes. Doors open wide to possibilities and to comfort. For many of us, this is a time to reflect, give thanks, give gifts, renew hope … and play! Some of us, however, find this a difficult time of year. Furthermore, there is much happening in the world now to trouble one.

As I write this in the background of conflicts across our globe, Diwali, or Festival of Lights, is underway—a celebration of light overcoming darkness. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and other holidays (and a brand new year) draw near. Each reminds me of the hope and joy that somehow coexist beside life’s burdens and brutalities. This, I believe, is the paradox that birthed poetry … and why poetry lives on. We are a species of contradictions, conflicts, and complications. Poetry helps us make sense of ourselves.

It is in this spirit that we open our virtual doors and invite our members to join us on December 9 for an afternoon of society, to ”play” and create poetry together. This is not a holiday party, per se; rather, we seek to honor our society’s purpose and forge poetic and human connections. 

Meet new people, connect with old friends, write to prompts, create group poems. Try some concepts and techniques our presenters have discussed through the year.

In recognition of the wide span of this season’s realities, the games we play and poems we create will be neither holiday-themed nor carry an expectation of lightness. Our activities will give each of us the chance to express the ups, downs and in betweens of living. For isn’t that the treasure of poetry—how it holds space for us and gives meaning to our experiences and emotions across lifetimes?

Wherever your heart settles during this time of year, I wish you some measure of comfort and joy. May you find love and light in the darkness, gratitude for all the goodness in this world and in your life, and hope for all that is yet to come. 

Heartfelt wishes for you and yours—
Lisa Kamolnick
President, Poetry Society of Tennessee