Today’s draft is part of an emergin theme in my Stafford Challenge poems — an attempt to describe or somehow capture what it feels like to create.

(I also invite you to read on after the poem for an announcement I am so excited to share with you.)

The idea, contained,

like mercury in a thermometer,

will react with the environment to

tell me something valuable

about the shape of my world.

The idea, loose,

oozes over cracks and broken glass,

Even in hands gently cupped around

it teases, rolls, finally slips away,

leaves behind a sense of danger,

a mess to clean,

a terrifying illness sure to come upon me by surprise.

Coming in April . . . .

The Evanston Conscious Movement Festival

From the time I started facilitating DANCEmandala, I have had the idea of bringing people together in community to make the connection between body and spirit. There are so many opportunities to do this in my town — from Five Rhythms, to yoga, tai chi, and more. I wondered if it was possible to create a weekend where people could experience some of these things together.

Finally, this is happening. April 12-14, 2024, in Evanston, Illinois. I have gathered some of the best people I know to offer movement and connection. This will be a weekend to explore, to experience new ways of moving your body, and to bring together people in the community.

And — there’s a dance party! You are all invited.

(P.S. You can follow the festival on Instagram too!)