It All Started With A Circle Poem

By Writers' Write

A collection of writing exercises, poems, journal entries, anecdotes, and scribbles collected from the Under One Roof Writers Group.

Under One Roof is a housing and addiction recovery center located in Squamish British Columbia Canada.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Under One Roof Writes
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781738824335

Book preview

It All Started With A Circle Poem

It All Started With A Circle Poem

It All Started With A Circle Poem

Writers Write

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Writers Write

Contents

Foreward

Circle Poems

Connie

Cortez

Heather

Maureen

Nicola

Susette

Anonymous and Guest Writers Write

Acknowledgements

Copyright © 2023 by Authors

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First Printing, 2023

Foreward

This book was made possible through a collaboration between Squamish Helping Hands Society, The Squamish Arts Council, and especially the writers who came to the group week after week to share of themselves through the art and process of writing – putting thoughts, ideas, and hearts into their work. In leading this project, I was overwhelmed and constantly humbled by the willingness of the writers to share their stories and to consistently dedicate time to an art form that is so personal, often bringing up difficult topics, feelings, memories and experiences. More than that, I truly appreciated what a gift it was to be in the room with them, to witness their generosity as they helped and encouraged each other, including myself, and their willingness to be brave enough to say what needed to be said at every turn. As a facilitator, and a writer, I am a strong believer in the power of writing to heal, to give voice to our stories and to impact the world we live in by inspiring evolution and equanimity.

At Under One Roof, where we met each week, the group found a welcoming space to explore their feelings and observations of their world. Under One Roof is a place of non-judgment that offers a variety of programs to help people recover, reignite and develop their skills, talents, and abilities. Every program or activity incorporates the values, vision and mission of the organization, Squamish Helping Hands Society, and strives to incorporate one or more of the five pillars of care.

In the case of the Writers Write Group, supported by a grant from the Squamish Arts Council, the participants were able to access and benefit from at least 3 pillars of care: Community, Purpose and Health. The opportunity to write became a bridge connecting them to a community of writers, a sense of purpose and a growing sense of well being.

Specifically, participants were invited to join the weekly creative writing class and share their voice in a variety of writing styles and genres. The class had a consistent framework which we followed loosely at times to allow for the most authentic and real experience together. Often the class was given a theme to base their weekly writing assignment on. The structure was complimented by visiting writers who brought their own curriculum to share. All the exercises were intended to challenge and/or encourage the writers to expand their perspective while trying out new forms of writing – everything from poetry and prose to song writing, journaling, opinion pieces and more – all of which allowed for creative self-expression and experimentation.

This book was inspired ultimately by the group that organically formed over time, many of whom were willing to put themselves on the line with their work either in the group or in this book. The title for the book, It All Started with a Circle Poem, comes from our use of Circle Poetry in our sessions. A circle poem is a shared collective work that can take surprising twists and turns both in the writing itself but also in the deepening of connection between the writers. In the first section of this book some of these poems are shared with you, the reader. I have so much respect for the writers included in this book as well those who chose to not to submit their work here. They have taught me about truth telling, about community and about being present. They have taught me to be brave – like them – to take the risk of being seen and heard. Together we formed a bond – a circle of writers, if you will – built on trust and honesty.

In the process we all became teachers – by way of listening, by way inviting each other into the writing circle.

- Maureen Mackell

(Facilitator and Former Executive Director of Squamish Helping Hands Society/ Under One Roof)

Circle Poems

Writers Write Together

The title for this book, It All Started with a Circle Poem, comes from our use of Circle Poetry in our sessions throughout the course of the