The reading at Crooked Tree Arts Center was wonderful yesterday! There were six of us authors there reading our ekphrastic poems inspired by works in the exhibit and there was time for us to read some more of our writings as well. It was a joy to hear everyone read and to participate in this. There is another reading on October 10th and I’m hoping to be able to attend that as well. It’s really great to live in a place that supports creatives like this town does. Here is the poem I read along with a couple more photos from the event.
Interwoven
(after ‘Protection Flag’ – Mary Fortuna)
By Jennifer Patino
In the beginning was the moon
and you, embroidered gaze upon it
A spark beat the heart alive
and became the true origin of fire
What tends the flames?
Who keeps you safe?
Hand lines and blood ties
intersect and snake a path to center,
every thread glowing with vibrancy
of unified celestial ancestry
Sometimes serpentry is necessary;
to return to Paradise one must shed scales,
allow a kind of death to enter
to be reborn as the sun
Every day is a hissing genesis,
a fall can dawn awareness
Barbs as bees form a boundary
protecting your elemental truths
Sacred geometry speaks to those
who decode beyond the buzzing
Out of a lotus, creation blooms,
a resurrection from the mud
Crow grants guardianship,
declares you a jewel in the crown
Claim a kingdom in the pattern
and secure a nesting place
where cycles are instructors
and symbols shield your sacred
You are free to dream in balance
and will soon awaken to your new way
Please check out more of Mary’s artwork HERE.
Thistle Thoughts 
It looks like you had an amazing time, Jennifer. I am so happy that you had a great reading.
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Thank you! It went very well. 🙂
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👏🏼 Great job, Jenn. I’m glad you’re getting out there and doing readings.
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Thank you! I’m getting better at speaking in front of people so I think that’s good. ☺️
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This poem is a fountain of creativity, and openness in art! Wonderful writing and pictures Jennifer!
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Thanks!
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Jenn!!! I am so proud of and happy for you! You are really getting your work out there and being amongst creatives who also produce what helps to get us by–poetry.
The poem is superb!
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Thank you, Tre! 🩷🙂
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You’re most welcome!
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Congratulations, Jennifer!
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Thank you, Britta!
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This feels like a vivid powerful empowering dream come true! High fives Jennifer! 😀
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Thank you!
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Nervous nooo. You look like a natural!
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Thanks! I’m getting a lot better reading in front of crowds.
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good!!!! Keep up the good work.
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