The Poetry Caravan
of Columbia County, New York
sic luceat verbum in tenebris /may the word
shine into the darkness
?
Where the Caravan comes from
Who we are and what we do…
The Poetry Caravan of Columbia County is an off-shoot of the “original” Poetry Caravan which had its beginning in 2003 in Westchester County, NY. The Caravan consists of a group of poets, all volunteers, who bring poetry (their own and others’) to audiences for whom poetry may not easily be available. At each scheduled program, two or more poets read poems appropriate to the audience. Participation by attendees is encouraged, since visits are not “performances”; rather they are the sharing of poetry.
The Poetry Caravan of Columbia County began readings at Camphill Ghent in March 2015. We are exploring other venues for one-time or regularly scheduled readings.
The Chatham Public Library is our sponsoring partner. New members are welcome!
Where can we get more information?
Joanne Auerbach
(518) 755-3580 (cell)
We bring you poetry wherever you are!
We offer to come to you wherever you are in or around Columbia County. Two or more of our poets can read for your event or other gathering.
We read a selection of our own work, classical and contemporary poetry, thematically suited to your occasion, we accommodate requests, and interact with the audience. Children need poetry, elders need poetry, the ailing and convalescing need poetry. Everyone needs poetry!
The POETS
The Poetry Caravan of Columbia County consists of people who love to read, write, and share poetry. We aim to afford others the joy of poetry, especially in places where it otherwise might not live, sharing our enthusiasm and conviction that poetry can unite people, be medicine to the heart, and nourish the spirit.
Participating poets are:
Joanne Auerbach
Steve Auerbach
David Bly
Phyllis Carito
Leslie Klein
Amanda Merk
Sharifa Perry
Elizabeth Poreba
Judy Staber
Expressed poetically...
"On Doing Poetry Readings"
There are moments when I am doing a poetry
reading when I look up into the listening faces,
and know our caravans have arrived together.
For they are laughing, or smiling and tearing,
or wear the stunned expression of someone
who realizes--could it be for the first time--
this is the only life any of us will ever have.
And I want to stop mid-poem to ask:
Is it something I said?
And I am amazed anew,
at what these camels can carry--
at what words can do.
--Howard J. Kogen