There are not all that many places where hundreds of people will come to listen to poems being read alive. In New York, a poetry reading with a dozen people present is a big deal. We had many more than that, they were attentive and appreciate, smiles and laughter, a few tears. They loved watching Red and Fate herd the sheep too.
Poet Doug Anderson read from “Horse Medicine,” his new book of poems at the Bedlam Farm Open House, dedicated this time to art and poetry. And some fun sheepherding and donkey and pony visitations. Hundreds of people – not sure how many precisely – came from all over the place: Mississippi, Michigan, Minnesota, Florida and Canada. The rains held off, we stayed dry, did four rounds of herding with Red and Fate, both asleep at my feet.
The Open Houses get better and better, there is so much food feeling there. Four poets read from their works – Doug Anderson, Mary Kellogg, Kate Rantilla, Tom Atkins. It had so much feeling and so much meaning, I am grateful for it.
This is just about the first anniversary of my open heart surgery last year, I am grateful for many things, including my being here. It could have been a very different kind of open house. We wish to dedicate this open house to the spirits of four wonderful people who span the gamut of life and love.
First, to Mary Kellogg, our dear friend and wonderful poet, today marks the publication of her third volume of poetry, “How To Dance,” it is a testament to courage and determination and creativity. The creative spark burns brightly in Mary, and shines on the rest of us. She will be here today to read from her new work.
Then to our young friend Tyler, who has appeared out of the mists and time of life to enter our lives with his energy and hard work and remind us of the power and promise of youth. Tyler is an inspiration too.
We also dedicate the open house to my wonderful friend Paul Moshimer, who died a few weeks ago. He was a fixed point of love, thought and empathy, a man who worked every day of his life to be a good and better man and who, when all was said and done, succeeded brilliantly.
And finally, to Paul’s wife and our friend and a great friend to people and animals, Pamela Moshimer Rickenbach, a light unto the world, a chapter in courage and commitment, a healer and a listener and a lover. She fills my heart with light. She reminds us of how life should be lived.
We are ready. The dogs are ready. The donkeys and the pony are ready. The barn cats are ready. Time for the Spring/Summer Bedlam Farm Open House, the first of the season (next on Columbus Day Weekend in October). The rain has spared us today and also, it appears for most of tomorrow. Tyler will be here shortly to handle crowds and parking, the sheep are resigned to performing much of the day. Fate is eager to show off her new herding skills, Red is always happy to demonstrate his. Joy, joy, joy, we are proud and pleased to share our lucky lives.
