As many of you know, yesterday a local effort took place in our city. Poets and others joined together to reject the invasion of the federal government into peaceful local processes. The event, called Words to Meet the Moment: A Poetry Event Against Fascism, was organized by our local independent Content Bookstore; hosted by our primary gathering space, the historic Grand Event Center; emceed by our former poet laureate, Rob Hardy; was broadcast over the radio by our local independent station, KYMN-FM Radio; and served to raise funds for a new organization called Northfield Helping Neighbors, managed by our highly effective Community Action Center.

Twenty-nine poets shared a mix of original and previously published work over a space of about two hours. An estimated 115 people attended, and many also listened in real time via KYMN-FM’s live stream. (My own contribution is a sonnet variation called “Dirge for Renee Good: A Call to {Open} Arms”. My presention starts at about the 42-minute mark.)

The energy in the room was high. The voices expressed a full spectrum of concerns, emotions, poetic forms, life experiences, and languages — beautiful passages not just in English but in Spanish. My own poem, a nonce-form sonnet variation, employs the imagery of seeing through ICE and lighting a candle in a dark time.

The images I share here are of myself and architectural details only. All concerned agreed to protect each other’s privacy. The image above is of a candle made in this house, by my husband, from local beeswax, resting on a Norwegian silver dish given to us years ago by kind neighbors, the Heibergs. Neighbors — that sums it up.

It helped me to stand with others for a few moments, to take a small but important step to preserve our precious First Amendment rights.

I learned today that a chapbook containing much of the original work is being planned for publication in February. Donations from the event yesterday raised more than $1,500 to help vulnerable people here. When it is available, I will let you know.

Thank you for your caring enough to read to the end and for all the other things you are doing as a concerned citizen. As a neighbor. Even to those you haven’t yet met.

LESLIE