Why Poetry Readings?

poetry readings

across divisions of gender age or shade of skin
beyond banners of political stance
above religious belief
           or spiritual practice
transcending measures of lifestyle
           material comfort
                    cultural conditioning

we are brought together here
by a common calling:
            the siren song of the muse
by a common seeking:
            the search for the perfect word

by that which defies all gravity
all merely man-made law:

            the cellular urgency of art

Written by Vilma Ginzberg, Healdsbury Litgerary Laureate Enerita 2008/9
Read at the Benicia Poets' Picnic on Sunday, August 4th