We will spend an afternoon reading, writing, and sharing poetry as a way of entering a quieter, deeper dimension of our own lives. Poetry has long been a companion to the inner journey--a way of pausing long enough for the soul to speak. As David Whyte writes, "Poetry is language against which you have no defenses."
A true poem does not ask us to analyze; it invites us to soften, to listen, and to allow something within us to be gently rearranged.
Now, it is time to introduce the two facilitators who will guide you on this reflective journey. Marianne's bio also shares more insight on the workshop process.
Mary Pennington
Mary is a retired nurse whose life and work have been shaped by a deep commitment to holistic healing and spiritual practice. She has completed doctoral-level coursework in holistic healing and is certified as a Caritas Coach, Reiki practitioner, and yoga instructor. Throughout her career, Mary has been drawn to practices that invite stillness, reflection, and compassionate presence.
A devoted reader and listener of poetry, Mary believes poetry offers a doorway into deeper awareness and connection. She especially loves hearing poets read their work aloud and can be found at ZUMIs on Saturday afternoons, listening with reverence to emerging voices. In this workshop, Mary invites participants to approach poetry as a spiritual practice--one that encourages attentive listening, gentle self-expression, and shared meaning.
Marianne Sheridan
Marianne has a BA in Liberal Arts, with a great focus on Creative Writing, and a Master of Education. She taught elementary school for over 20 years, teaching many forms of Writing: Expository, Narrative, Descriptive, Persuasive, and Poetry. She especially enjoyed immersing her students in the joy of exploring and expressing their emotions through poetry.
Marianne believes we are all poets at heart. She wrote her first poem at age twelve after the loss of her brother. She found solace in pouring a myriad of emotions into her early poems. Love, loss, rage, bewilderment, confusion, and finally acceptance and peace flowed onto the page. She invites you to explore allowing your thoughts and emotions to find their way through the process of writing Japanese Haiku.
The Haiku's simple beauty can capture a moment in time, a focused observation of nature, and through its movement, evoke an emotional response in both reader and writer. Haiku attempts to capture a fleeting image or feeling and can break away from the well-known form of 7,5,7 syllables on three lines.
Marianne will first share a small collection of Haiku poems and allow time for participants to share their observations, reflections, and questions. Next, she will present the common structure of a Haiku poem and invite you to let your creative nature to find the page. Flexibility with syllables can allow for natural expression and will be encouraged as you explore your expression. Those who do not wish to write can continue to share their thoughts with each other during this time.