Featured Poetry & Resources: Pole Dance by Nita Andrews Frederic Eugene Basil Foley, MD (1891-1966) American Urologist The Clearing by Martha Postlethwaite I Wish in the City of Your Heart by Robley Wilson The Facts of Life by Pádraig Ó Tuama The Lanyard by Billy Collins Dog Songs by Mary Oliver Denise Levertov, British-born naturalized American poet William Carlos Williams, American poet & physician E. E. Cummings, Emily Dickinson, Sharon Olds, American poets Fred Rogers, American television host and author Paul Cezanne, French impressionist and painter Creative Lectio The Talking Day, The Talking Day (Instagram) Processing Trauma Through Poiesis, Allender Center Podcast w/ Sue Cunningham, May 5, 2023

Adam Young, host of "The Place We Find Ourselves" and author of "Make Sense of Your Story," dives into the emotional complexities of trauma and the power of storytelling. He reflects on poetry's profound impact through personal experiences and explores its healing qualities during struggles. The conversation weaves through themes of hope, duality, and the importance of imagination. Young emphasizes the transformative nature of genuine relationships and how embracing vulnerability can lead to unexpected gifts, ultimately celebrating resilience amid challenges.

Featured Fiction & Resources:   Deborah M. Prum          Help          Our Lady of Perpetual Mold          Gravity          Last Boy Leaving          In Darkness as in Light   Perfect Days (2023), directed by Wim Wenders The Weight of Glory by CS Lewis The Mind of the Maker by Dorothy Sayers Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott Lisa Cooper Ellison  

Featured Poets & Resources: Revolutionary Dreams by Nikki Giovanni The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni 1968-1998, Harper Perennial Healing the Wounded Heart, Dan B. Allender, Baker Books Appendix, The Implications for African-American Women by Linda Royster Beauty for Ashes Counseling, PLLC — Giving Voice to Story Bearing Witness to Stories of Sexual Abuse and Racial Trauma Dan Allender, Sue Cunningham, and Linda Royster

Dan Allender, a renowned author, counselor, and co-founder of The Allender Center, dives deep into the intersection of poetry and human connection. He reflects on the transformative power of love and personal relationships and how these themes resonate in poetry. The discussion also touches on the emotional duality of poetry, intertwining grief and hope, while emphasizing its role in navigating life's complexities. Listeners are treated to insights on generational bonding through fly fishing and the importance of storytelling in therapy.

Joy Roulier Sawyer, a writer, poet, teacher, and therapist known for her innovative fusion of poetry and counseling, delves into the healing power of poetry in this enlightening discussion. She shares how poetic expression fosters emotional growth and self-exploration. Joy also talks about the creative process, emphasizing the role of lists to inspire writing. Her personal journey of overcoming rejection in publishing showcases the importance of perseverance. Listeners are encouraged to embrace poetry as a tool for connection, solace, and personal transformation.