Poetry and nature-writing workshop coming to Grey Towers

By Linda Fields
MILFORD — “To see the summer sky is poetry," wrote Emily Dickinson.
There's hardly a better place for summer inspiration than a beautiful landscape that contains reverence for nature in its earliest history: Grey Towers. The national historic site will be the scene of a poetry and nature-writing workshop that anyone can join, whether a beginner or experienced writer.
The workshop will be led by Jeffrey Stocker, director and acting coach founder of the American Readers Theatre (ART), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 17.
The Grey Towers Heritage Association together with the USDA Forest Service are sponsoring the event.
After a short introduction at the Grey Towers Pavilion, participants will be guided to several locations on the grounds, spots that would inspire any writer.
"The places we’ve chosen to take them to are stunningly beautiful," Stocker said. "The form is very open, from haiku to free verse to prose."
After the tour, each participant will be given a bagged lunch to take back to their favorite spot (or spots), where they will have the opportunity to write. The group will gather together afterward, with Stocker explaining how to do a dramatic reading. The writers will then share their work.
“The pavilion has great acoustics," said Stocker. "No microphones are needed. The setting couldn’t be more appropriate. I think those who participate will enjoy the process of reflective writing and the connection with nature and find it very rewarding.”
To ignite your creative spark, register online at greytowers.org/events. Spots are limited, so register soon.
The rain date is Saturday, June 24. The cost is $20, with lunch and beverage will be provided. You only need to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and writing materials.