Poetry Takes Root At ‘Verses in the Vineyard’ Exhibit And Reading
The air at Aquila’s Nest on June 25 was abuzz with anticipation and excitement while poets prepared to share aloud to the crowd. The C.H. Booth Library hosted an event titled, “Verses in the Vineyard: Poetry for Hope,” which aimed to bring the community together in a blend of poetry and nature. Shari Merrill, who is head of adult services at the C.H. Booth Library, ran the event. “Poets read for about an hour and a half, some people brought friends and family, so it was a great turnout. We had around 50 to 60 people who attended,” she shared. “Some people are laureates for their town, so they have recognition and achievements for their work, while some people are just starting their poetry journey so they’re learning and growing. The range was wide, which I think makes it interesting.”
The actual poetry event was held inside the winery at Aquila’s Nest while the poetry walk exhibit was set up next to the vineyards outside.
Inside the winery, every table was filled with supportive groups ready to share what they had. The event was very open, and readers were invited to come up whenever they felt inspired.
The poems covered a wide range of topics from hope to sadness, to joy, and passion. One poem was written by a woman on World Down Syndrome Day titled, “Beauty,” to express her feeling that everyone deserves love and respect no matter who they are. Another poem was from a book that a Newtown woman and her husband wrote in 2013 about Connecticut wineries. The poem was about the wines she’s tasted and the full circle she felt reading a poem about Connecticut wine in one of Connecticut's newest wineries.
In the exhibit outside, there were rows and rows in the vineyard with poems from poets of all ages, some as young as nine. Some poems also had artwork that went with the writing, and the poems were set up at the end of each row in the vineyard.
The entire exhibit was a huge hit with a supportive group of people that wanted to share what they wrote or believed in.
=====
Intern Leah Laughlin can be reached at intern@thebee.com.