A Dose of Zest and Enchantment

A digital journey from Boston to Concord, plus two new exclusive to Substack poems

Spring Song by Glucklich German

Greetings, Friends! This week, I experimented with something I’ve been curious about for a long time, which is trying my hand at creating longer form video content for you. I’m excited to share! I’m intimidated to share! I realize how hard it is to create video content! All. The. Feelings.

Yet, my beloved Uncle Bill, who passed away in 2013, still reminds me in spirit that it’s vital to not give into fear. When I was scared to ride the Jack Rabbit roller coast as a kid, he allowed me to see that something being a little scary was what made it so satisfying to do. Whenever I get scared to do something, I can hear his voice telling me, "Oh, come on - it'll be FUN!" and I feel braver. So here goes some creative courage, and in return, sure enough, a good dash of zest, the kind that keeps life fresh and novel and makes us more likely to take the creative risk going forward.

For my first longer form video, I am taking you all along with me as I commute from Boston to Concord, Massachusetts, where I work as a guide and educator at Orchard House. For good measure (and in honor of National Poetry Month), I also recite Louisa May Alcott’s sweet poem, To the First Robin, in the gardens of Orchard House. I feel so indebted to my favorite creative kindred spirits for offering video content that brings me enchantment and a sense of grounding, especially during troubling times, and I hope that this little video experience (the first of its kind here, perhaps?) offers you the same kind of sturdiness.

In addition to the video, I’m continuing to enjoy reading back through 2020’s “Poem a Day” challenge I set myself. Below are two such poems from five years ago this week (HOW can that be?) that are speaking to me during these back and forth days of spring. As always, I hope you read something you love.

Oh, and please feel free to check out the thread I started in Substack chats where you have the chance to share a poem or poet that you think I should know about, and read the offerings that others in this community are sharing. I love this digital poetry swap that we’ve got going so far, and would love for you to join in.

I’ll be back early next week with more poetry and reflections, but until then, take good care of your sweet selves, and each other.