Author: Elora Poetry Centre
The Winter Metaphor
The Winter Metaphor
See the snow upon the ground
so ubiquitous, yet so fleet . . . so seasonal,
a great pause in the enormous speech of nature.
Feel the adversity of cold,
that challenges us to winter sport,
the mad dash from the car,
or that drives us indoors
to read
upon an unilluminated page
whose aesthetics is preceded by twigs piercing the white winter blanket outside.
Observe the early darkness descend,
cornering souls into stillness
or spirits to wild fireside fantasies
filled with a drama of darkness and light.
Contemplate a long, cold, white death,
A death that
. . . melts away
. . . ………..to another life,
To another greening awaiting another death awaiting another
greening awaiting
another . . .
(Peter Skoggard, 2014)
Winter Metaphor
January 4, 2015
2.00 pm “Winter Metaphor”
What spiritual effect do Canadian winters have on us?
Readings from E. E. Cummings, and a musical setting of T. S. Eliot’s “Journey of the Magi,” by Peter Skoggard. Robert Missen, tenor, and Paul Chant, piano.
100 Thousand Poets for Change 2014
September 27, 2014
5.00 pm 100 Thousand Poets for Change. Elora was one of over 700 sites throughout the world for this annual event. Poets Daniel Kolos, Jerry Prager and Morvern McNie read from their recent works. Muddy York-Anne Lederman and Ian Bell-performed music of the Canadian Underground Railroad.
Fish Quill Poets & Good Hearted Women, Asa Boxer
June 28th: 3.00-5.00 pm. Fish Quill Poets & Good Hearted Women Singers & Drummers. Poets Leigh Kotsilidis, Linda Besner, Asa Boxer, Abigail Lapell, Jessica Moore
.
6.00-7.00 pm “The Tree of Inspiration”: Asa Boxer’s poems set to music by Peter Skoggard. Marion Samuel Stevens, soprano; Brett Kingsbury, pianist.
We thank the following people for their invaluable support: Grand River Conservation Authority & Open Book Ontario, for the continued support they have given to Fish Quill. Other patrons who have made this event possible: Ross Skoggard, Ian Skoggard, Geoffrey Stevens, Zehrs Market, Fergus, L & M, Elora, Elisabeth Easterbrook, Hilltop Acres Poultry Products, Dars Country Market, Olive Grove (Elora).
“Doors Open.” The Elora Poetry Centre
June 21st: 12.00-5.00 pm “Doors Open.” The Elora Poetry Centre participated in this event, leaving the exhibit from the previous week, “East Meets West,” available for those who might be interested.
June 28th: 3.00-5.00 pm. Fish Quill Poets & Good Hearted Women Singers & Drummers. Poets Leigh Kotsilidis, Linda Besner, Asa Boxer, Abigail Lapell, Jessica Moore
.
6.00-7.00 pm “The Tree of Inspiration”: Asa Boxer’s poems set to music by Peter Skoggard. Marion Samuel Stevens, soprano; Brett Kingsbury, pianist.
We thank the following people for their invaluable support: Grand River Conservation Authority & Open Book Ontario, for the continued support they have given to Fish Quill. Other patrons who have made this event possible: Ross Skoggard, Ian Skoggard, Geoffrey Stevens, Zehrs Market, Fergus, L & M, Elora, Elisabeth Easterbrook, Hilltop Acres Poultry Products, Dars Country Market, Olive Grove (Elora).
Environmental Sculpture Festival 2014
June, 2014
June 14th, Noon: : the initiative came from our cruel winter that broke many trees, boughs, branches and left the area looking destitute. Artists Geoffrey Stevens, Jerry Prager, Elana Levine, Jim Reed and Peter Skoggard collected materials from many sources, such as objects from the freezing spring waters of the river, logs and other pieces of wood, rocks, dogwood twigs and pine cones, to create unusual forms.
Later in the day visitors arrived to view the opening of “West Meets East,” an exhibition of Western and Eastern artworks produced in collaboration with poets of the 1950s-1990s.
June 21st: 12.00-5.00 pm “Doors Open.” The Elora Poetry Centre participated in this event, leaving the exhibit from the previous week, “East Meets West,” available for those who might be interested.
June 28th: 3.00-5.00 pm. Fish Quill Poets & Good Hearted Women Singers & Drummers. Poets Leigh Kotsilidis, Linda Besner, Asa Boxer, Abigail Lapell, Jessica Moore
.
6.00-7.00 pm “The Tree of Inspiration”: Asa Boxer’s poems set to music by Peter Skoggard. Marion Samuel Stevens, soprano; Brett Kingsbury, pianist.
We thank the following people for their invaluable support: Grand River Conservation Authority & Open Book Ontario, for the continued support they have given to Fish Quill. Other patrons who have made this event possible: Ross Skoggard, Ian Skoggard, Geoffrey Stevens, Zehrs Market, Fergus, L & M, Elora, Elisabeth Easterbrook, Hilltop Acres Poultry Products, Dars Country Market, Olive Grove (Elora).
Evening at the Elora Poetry Centre with the music of The Elora Jazz Trio
October 6, 2013
An Evening at the Elora Poetry Centre with the music of The Elora Jazz Trio.
While it was regretted that illness forced the cancellation of Bill Berkson’s poetry presentation, the scheduled reception went forward for supporters of Beaver House and guests. The Elora Jazz Trio played through thunder and rain, featuring Mark Heine on bass, Howie Southwood on drums and Dave Thompson on guitar. Thanks to all who made this a memorable evening.
100 Thousand Poets Event @ The Elora Poetry Centre
The Open Stage Adventure blogpost on 100 Thousand Poets event at the Elora Poetry Centre
The Elora Poetry Centre is a wonderful example of people opening their home to share poetry, music and food. Hosts Daniel Bratton and Carol Williams moved an 1832 log cabin (the Beaver House) to their property near the Elora Gorge Conservation area and eventually realized their vision of making it a venue to bring poets and poetry aficionados together.
On September 27th, while Elora was all abuzz with Culture Days activities and the Elora-Fergus Studio Tour, the Elora Poetry Centre offered an evening of poetry readings (Jerry Prager, Morvern McNie, Daniel Kolos), finishing with a performance by Muddy York (Anne Lederman & Ian Bell).
These performances were part of 100 Thousand Poets for Change, an initiative happening in over 650 locations around the world, “ a demonstration/celebration to promote peace and sustainability and to call for serious social, environmental and political change”. While we relaxed, enjoying the poetry and the beautiful surroundings, our host Daniel reminded us that, on this day, some readings would be taking place in cultures where it was challenging and even dangerous to hold such an event.
With this in mind I hope everyone gets out to enjoy the abundance of local cultural offerings this fall!
FISH QUILL POETRY BOAT and The Good Hearted Women
June 15, 2013
FISH QUILL POETRY BOAT and The Good Hearted Women Singers
On 15 June Beaver House hosted an event with exceptional readings and music by the Fish Quill Poetry Boat and a moving performance by the Good Hearted Women Singers.
Fish Quill’s 2013 tour proved a great success, kicking off in Toronto but actually beginning here in Elora with a launch from the low-level bridge in the Elora Gorge Park, adjoining the property of the Elora Poetry Centre. The year’s participants, in addition to Linda and Leigh, were David Seymour, Gillian Savigny, Andy McGuire, and the singer/songwriter Grey Kingdom. Gillian’s performance was sponsored by The Writers’ Union of Canada and The Canada Council for the Arts.
The stirring Fish Quill performance was framed by The Good Hearted Women Singers, who opened and closed the event. Formally called the “Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak,” this indigenous group sings, drums, and dances as an opportunity for healing and to form and strengthen new relationships.
The Elora Poetry Centre & Gallery 