While the leaves turn, so do the pages of my manuscripts. October was wonderful, reading with old friends and making new ones. However, the news on the political front has been devastating for many of us. While we try to make sense of a world turned inside out again, I ask myself, what can I do? I will not be silent (I rarely have) and will continue to be active in pursuit of justice on all fronts, whether through writing or taking it to the streets. In the meantime, reading and writing poetry and stories, and listening to writers read, bring comfort.
I began October at Ray Cicetti’s Poetic Voices in Mountain Lakes, NJ, then found myself at Word Seed “Words Around the World” at the Great Fall’s Amphitheater for the Paterson Poetry Festival under the guidance of Talena Lachelle Queen, and Felicia Sherelle. ARTS By The People sponsored the Moving Words program, which screened poems-to-film at the Quad Cinema in Manhattan. Bobe Wu (film director and student at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts) and I won first place with my poem, “Dear Rorschach.” We were over the moon! You can watch all the Moving Words 2024 films on the ABTP website.
In November, I returned to Paterson and I read with many writers for the Paterson Literary Review #52 anthology, hosted by Maria Mazziotti Gillan on a gorgeous day. And, I just returned from the NJEA Teacher’s Convention in Atlantic City, where I met educational professionals from New Jersey. A personal welcome to all the newsletter subscribers from the convention. Special thanks to my lifelong partner and illustrator of Even the Dog Was Quiet, Alex Polner, who helped in every aspect of the show.
As a climate activist, I wanted to bring attention to the virtual Climate Consciousness Summit 2024. I attended the free version last year. The summit runs from November 15th through the 21st sponsored by the Pocket Project Team. Speakers include poets, racial and environmental justice advocates, storytellers, scientists and healers. In their email, they wrote: “Whether you’re here to gain insights, build connections, or deepen your commitment to climate action, you’ll find ample opportunities to engage and contribute to meaningful dialogue. Together, we’ll reconnect to embodiment, earth and the emerging future for a new climate consciousness. We will equally hear directly from voices at the UN COP29 and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We will overcome our sense of separation and understand how we can contribute towards a global healing movement.”
Best,
Margaret
Upcoming Events: Events are free and in EST unless otherwise noted. Click the links for more information.
11/14/2024, Parkland Poets. I will host this event. David Brydges, Diane Robitelle & Rena Joy are the featured poets. Open mic. Virtual reading. 9:00-10:30 pm (EST).
11/16/2024 Black Dog Books. Philippe R Hebert and I will sign books, which will also be available for purchase. 103 Route 15 South, Lafayette, NJ, 12 pm – 4:30 pm.
12/07/2024 Brownstone Poetry Anthology Reading Hosts: Patricia Carragon and Roxanne Hoffman, virtual, 2 pm. $5 admittance fee.
12/15 Baithak (informal gathering): On South Asian Poetry and Prose. We will discuss poet and filmmaker Nishi Chawla’s book of poetry, Random Circles of Belief (Human Error Publishing). Host: Anita Nahal. Panelists: K. Satchidanandan, Ashwani Kumar, and myself. 10 am. (7:30 pm Indian time.)
And in 2025
1/1/2025 The Alternative New Year’s Day Spoken Word/Performance Extravaganza at the Westbeth Community Arts Center, West Village, NYC. More information to follow.
1/27/2025 First Floor Walk Up, One and One, 76 E. 1st St. @ 1st Ave (take the F train to 2nd Ave. station), 7-8 pm. Wayne Kral, host.
02/13/2025, Parkland Poets, Feature. Open mic (2 min.) Virtual reading. 9:00-10:30 pm. 11/7/2025 Calling All Poets. Virtual. More information to follow.
Recent and Upcoming Publications
- Ovunque Siamo, reviewed gutter rainbows (Querencia Press) by Melissa Eleftherion.
- Voices of Italian Americana: “I Excommunicated Myself at 12”
- Meat for Tea, Looseleaf Volume 18, Issue 3: “Children with Backpacks” & “Teaching Fibonacci”
- Silver Birch Press published, Box of Sixty-Four in their All About My Mother series. (Painting: CRAYOLA by Audrey Flack (1973). So many heart-warming poems included. One poem comes to your inbox daily if you sign up. The snapshot below is a photograph of my godmother Ruth, holding me with her husband and my godfather, Tom next to her. My mom is standing next to Ruth.
Congratulations to Friends and Family
There is always good news to share. If you have something you’d like me to mention, drop me an email.
Edna Shochat’s, Decent Exposure: Poems (Poetica Mea). Edna will read with Poetry: Near & Far, Host: Tony Iovino, on 12/2/24. Zoom link. 7 pm.
Cathy Longano, is a children’s book author I met at the NJEA convention. Her book, Meatballs Mixed-Up Moods, is for the 4+ age group with an activity book.
Tell Me a Story About This Crazy World Called High School: A Survival Guide for Adolescence by Mrs. D., illustrated by Tara Balboa, a self-help book from an author I met at the NJEA Convention.
Jennifer Juneau, host of the Phoenix Poetry Open Mic in NYC, published Maze (Roadside Press), a collection of short stories.
Louise Polner, my mother-in-law, exhibited her paintings and collages at a multi-genre art show at Bristal Assisted Living in Jericho, New York. We were thrilled to support her and attend the show. Congrats!
Margaret R. Sáraco 