Poetry of Forgiveness, Workshops and Anthology Project--
2010 NYSCA Decentralization Grant for the Arts
Come explore with Gayl Teller how a wide variety of poets (including Galway Kinnell, Jane Kenyon, Louise Gluck, Elizabeth Bishop, Sharon Olds, Etheridge Knight, Robert Hayden, Marie Ponsot, Wislawa Szymborska, Yehuda Amichai, Aurora Levins Morales, Miguel De Unamuno, Vince Clemente, Richard Eberhart, William Butler Yeats, Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, others) have written about forgiveness from various perspectives, through its many stages, from hurt, anger, denial, alienation, to insight, acceptance, healing, moving on, compassion, love, and transcendence. The goal is to dialogue, generate our own poems, and produce an engaging and important anthology for a tumultuous age.
Poetry of Forgiveness Workshops Given in 2009-10
Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, NY 11803; (516) 822 3535 x301; x347
Hillside Public Library, 155 Lakeville Road, (2 blocks north of Jericho Turnpike),
New Hyde Park, NY 11040; (516) 355 7850 X304
East Meadow Public Library, 1886 Front Street, East Meadow, NY 11554; (516) 794 2570 X8
Anthology--Toward Forgiveness, with 99 LI Poets
(Forthcoming, Writers Ink Press, November 2010)
Generated by workshop poems and open for general submission by all Nassau residents
and the Long Island poetry community, the book Toward Forgiveness demonstrates the journey
toward forgiveness with poems in its various phases, from anger (against the self, against other),
denial, alienation, insight, venting, acceptance, letting go, healing, compassion, love and transcendence.
Awards Reception
A POETRY OF FORGIVENESS was awarded a NY State Council on the Arts'
LI Decentralization Grant for the Arts
13th Annual DEC Awards Reception
Thursday, February 25, 2010, 5:30pm
Walt Whitman Birthplace
246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746; (631) 427 5240
Celebration Ceremony and Readings from Toward Forgiveness
Saturday, December 11, 2010, 1-4 PM, Readings from Poets in Toward Forgiveness
an anthology of 99 poets (Editor, Gayl Teller, Writers Ink Press, 2010)
Freeport Memorial Library, 144 West Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11520; (516) 379 3274
Friday, February 4, 2011, 7 PM, Readings from Poets in Toward Forgiveness
an anthology of 99 poets (Editor, Gayl Teller, Writers Ink Press, 2010)
Presented by Poets in Nassau, Host, Christina Rau
Hillside Library,155 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY 11040; ( 516) 355 7850
Sunday, April 10, 2011, 7-9 PM, Readings from Poets inToward Forgiveness
an anthology of 99 poets (Editor, Gayl Teller, Writers Ink Press, 2010)
Mid-Island Y JCC 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, NY 11803; (516) 822 3535 X347
Saturday, May 14, 2011, 2PM, Readings from Poets in Toward Forgiveness
an anthology of 99 poets (Editor, Gayl Teller, Writers Ink Press, 2010)
Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560; (516) 671 1837
A POETRY OF FORGIVENESS is made possible in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts. The Decentralization Program is administered by The Huntington Arts Council, Inc.
"Stray Feet"
Cliff Bleidner, Lloyd Abrams, Narges Rothermel, Doreen Spungin, Gayl Teller,
Maria Manobianco, Paula Camacho, Ursula Nouza--Ceremony Honoring Stray Feet
Mid-Island Y JCC, Plainview, NY--May 23, 2010
A roving poetry show visiting schools, libraries, community centers, senior centers, nursing homes. (Nassau preferred)
Interested poets and representatives of hosting venues should contact me at poetry@gaylteller.com.
The goal is to bring the riches of poetry to the people.
As of April 26, 2010, 30 poets have generously shared their poetic talents and time making "Stray Feet" visits. Many have made multiple visits:
Lloyd Abrams, Stan Barkan, Cliff Bleidner, Paula Camacho, Yolanda Coulaz, Anna DiBella, Pete Dugan,
Pat Falk, Marilyn Goldsmith, Deborah Hauser, Gladys Henderson, LLoyd Howell, Jeff King,
Beverly Kotch, Christopher Mammano, Mankh, Maria Manobianco, Barbara Reiher-Meyers,
Gloria Murray, George Northrup, Ursula Nouza, Ellen Pickus, Phil Reinstein, Narges Rothermel,
Darren Sardelli, Doreen Spungin, Gayl Teller, Judy Turek, Muriel Weinstein , Maxwell Wheat
"Stray Feet" has visited The Senior Citizens of North Shore Jewish Center, Port Jefferson Station;
North Merrick Senior Community Service, North Merrick; Westbury Senior Center, Westbury;
Five Towns Senior Center, Hewlett; Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Woodbury;
Doubleday Senior Center, Oyster Bay; Levittown Senior Center, Levittown;
Rockville Centre Nursing Home, Rockville Centre, where resident Virginia Terris, a wonderful poet
and friend of Maxwell Wheat, read with him, Ellen Pickus and Gayl Teller to an audience
of 30 residents in wheelchairs in a very moving experience.
Pat D'Amelio's five 8th grade Language Arts classes, Howitt Middle School, Farmingdale;
most of the English classes at South High School, Valley Stream;
500-600 students in the library of Valley Stream Central High School, Valley Stream;
Shana Hilsenrath's five 7th grade Language Arts classes, Howitt Middle School, Farmingdale;
Ginny Paladino's Creative Writing class for Juniors and Seniors, Farmingdale High School, Farmingdale;
most of the 49 English classes at Valley Stream North High School, Franklin Square;
30 7th and 8th grade English classes at Memorial Junior High School, Valley Stream
Ellen Pickus, poet--Today was a lot of fun for me. I really felt I was in my element. It was such a pleasure
to be back in high school. The kids were great.
Lloyd Howell, poet--Actually it worked out very well...I enjoyed myself a lot. I asked them for a subject
and then tried to read a related poem. Think I touched a number of them. It was good
to get personal and liberating to read. I'll have to do this again.
Paula Camacho, poet--Maria and I read for two hours to two different classes at Valley Stream South.
The students impressed me with their gracious and polite reception to the reading.
Doreen Spungin, poet--Today's experience at South High was wonderful. I haven't been in front of a
class for many years and today made me remember the best of my teaching moments.
Lloyd Abrams, poet--I was trepidatious going in, but I ended up having such a good time with the three
classes I had.
Muriel Weinstein, poet--I just loved it...and the kids responded so well. They were truly engaged.
We wound up writing a poem together about giraffes. We not only give. They give to us.
Gayl Teller, poet--The audience of 50 people in wheel chairs with their rapt attention, spontaneous and
exuberant comments of identification, generous applause, hugs, and begs to come
back, their emotional leaps from their chairs--that was poetry in motion.
Cliff Bleidner, poet-- It was great! I loved it!
Ursula Nouza, poet-- Today was fabulous. The kids were responsive and interactive. More! More!
Pete Dugan-- I had a fun time. The kids were great!
Beverly Trotiner, Program Chair, Senior Center, North Shore Jewish Center--You were all excellent.
The topics were interesting and we could relate to them.
David Fritz, English Chair, Valley Stream Central High--I just want to thank you for an outstanding
presentation today. The poets were excellent and really spoke to our kids.
I appreciate your time as well as the time of the many poets.
Ginny Paladino, Creative Writing Teacher, Farmingdale High--My creative writers and I spent almost
the entire period today discussing how very much we enjoyed your visit. Both your
poetry and your presentation of it were truly inspirational to aspiring young writers,
and your visit was very much appreciated.
Shana Hilsenrath's 7th graders, Howitt Middle School, Farmindale, wrote letters of appreciation:
Taylor Donnelly--Thank you for coming to my class to teach me about poetry. I liked the poem about
the rain. I definitely learned a lot about poems. I learned that they don't need to rhyme.
Erika McCrowe--Thank you for comming into our classroom to read us some of your lovely poems.
I loved them. You made my day. All of them that you guys read were fabulous and
verry, verry good. I was thinking about your poems all day. I am very glad you came.
Sarah--Thank you so much for coming into our class and taking your time out of your day to read us your
wonderful and interesting poems. Every single poem you shared with us were unique.
One day, I hope to write as beautiful poems as all of you...You taught me that when you
write poems, you really find yourself and find who you are. I had a wonderful time.
Daviah Witter--Thanks so much for coming and reading your poems to us! I loved all of them, especially
the ones about Halloween. I sometimes write poetry too, when I feel inspired. If I see
something like the trees standing still, and the animals running around in the park,
sun beating down on my face, I would write a poem about nature. i feel happy and
ecstatic to know that poets like you guys would take the time to read to me.
This taught me that poetry isn't just about ryhming and being silly, its also
about lessons and memories I would have.
Nicholas Bowles--Thank you for reading your wonderful poems to our class. I really liked the poem
called Rain. The fact that the rain brought people together was spectacular.
Jude Pierre--Those poems made me feel calm and relax. I hope you will come back.
Robert Perrone--I liked how you guys took little things from your life and made them into baetiful poems.
Amanda McDonnell--I really think I learned a lot about poets and you have inspired me. Maybe
I might be a poet.
Anthony--The poems ...were great. I'm sorry that the periods weren't longer so you couldn't share all of your
great poems.
Elijah Laurean--Thank you for taking the time to explain the foundementals of writing a poem and to put
your soul and life into it.
Jessica Szilagiji--I really enjoyed the monster poem Barbara read. I thought Gail's scrabble poem was nice.
I like how it had a connection with her sister. I thought it was cool that Paula used her
grandson's poem.
Rishia Taylor--You realy inspired me to wright poems. Ever since you came... I've rote 3 poems and if
I say myself I did pretty good.
Jared Havvin--The poems had creativity. You took the events that happened in your lifes and the things
that happened in your dreams and put it in your poem. That is true genius and I wish
you well on trails.
Nikki-- I am just so sad that the bell rang and we couldn't hear anymore of your beautiful poems.
I think that it was smart to write about things in your life.
Michele-- You read them so well with pashion and heat.
Yousef Tursonzadah--I just hoped that we were able to listen to more poems. I liked all of your poems.
I hope you guys can come another day.
Patricia D'Amelio, 8th Grade ELA Teacher, Howitt Middle School, Farmingdale:
Thank you so much for visiting my 8th grade ELA classes. My students had only wonderful feedback
regarding your visit. My students were excited about writing to you and were truly inspired by your poems.
Once again, we had a wonderful day and hope to share our poetry with you soon.
Patricia D'Amelio's 8th Grade ELA Students, Howitt Middle School, Farmingdale, Wrote Letters of Appreciation:
To Mankh:
Amanda Zachmann--Thanks for spending a day in our classroom. You really made us laugh.
Hope you can come back soon.
Kaitlyn Bailey--Thank you for reading your poems. They were great and well appreciated.
Keep writing and keep sharing.
Caeley Looney--You really taught me a lot about the magic and mystery of poetry. Poetry is truly
putting your feelings on a page.
Nicollas--Your a pretty awsom guy. Your poems were rocking. I liked them a lot.
Jessica--I never knew that you could write poetry by writing lists.
Alexia Catania--We really apriciated the hardwork you put into your poems. They were really
interesting and exciting. You made my day.
Samantha Brescia--Your poems were really good. I liked the one about the raccoon the best.
To Phil Reinstein:
Nader--I liked how you memorized the poems.
Molly Retinger--Your poems were fantastic! I thought you were divine. I wish to read more poems of yours.
You made me want to become a poet. Thank you for coming.
Mackenzie--Your poems were great! I was surprised that you memorized your poems.
Jen--It was a privilage to be able to watch you and listen to you. My favorite poem was the word stupid.
Bobby Matson --The poems you read were very good. It makes me want to write poems of my own.
You really inspired me.
To Darren Sardelli:
Taylor Verdi--Your poems were so funny. My favorite was "Don't eat the Ice Cream." I like poetry
now more than ever.
Dallas-- You made everybody want to laugh. My favorite poem was The Silliest teacher in school.
I thought it was extremely cool.
Anastasia Ruggiero--Your poems were great, each one funnier than the next. You connected with
our class and it was a wonderful experience.
Dylan Loria--Your poems were very funny. I wish you can come back again. If I was writing poetry
I will write the same kind has you. I like to make kids laugh.
To Gayl Teller:
Mackenzie--I loved your poem about your moving day. it was very ironic. I liked how you compared
your life to the birds.
Shannon--I enjoyed your poems and liked how you wrote about your life and your family. You are a
great poet.
Peter Cohen--Your poem about basketball really inspired me.
Megan--I thought it was cool when you read us the poem about meeting your husband.
Dan Holohan--I thought it was cool how you said any small decision could change our lives.
Dylan Smith--I loved your deep symbolism that means so much more than the words. I hope
to read more of your poems.
Michele DeStefano--Your writing was excellent. I really enjoyed listening to your poems. They
were very descriptive and they told great stories. Your poems captivated
me and pulled me in even more.
Sydney--Your poems were loving,
heartwarming to,
They showed how you felt
very emotional to,
Well thanks for the great time
You really shined!
Harriet Lieberman, Program Coordinator, Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, Uniondale--
Usually the attention span of our members is thirty minutes, so the fact that you read for
over one hour and they were still listening attentively shows how much they enjoyed
your poetry.
UPCOMING "STRAY FEET " VISITS
STRAY FEET WILL RESUME IN THE FALL, 2010
Partners in Poetry
I'd like to work with a posse of the many talented poets/teachers of Nassau so seasoned poets/teachers function as catalysts for budding poet/teachers of all ages to inspire discovery of poetic voice, to hone skills, and to create growth as readers, writers, teachers, and performers of poetry. I envision older students working with younger students to strengthen community. "The Children's Hour" and "Teen Time" can involve one-on-one partnerships or small groups at libraries, after-school centers, community centers, or even over the internet. The structure of each partnership will be flexible in its immersion in poetry and mutually arranged. Examples--Make the objects in a person's room reveal that person; write a poem based on viewing a dance performance; perform a dance or drama based on reading a poem; create a mural with picture and poem; tell the story of a poem; fill in the negative space of a poem; rewrite a poem from a different perspective; write, polish, perform original works; summarize the implied argument of a poem; answer with an original poem, etc. etc. The atmosphere, if relaxed, open, fun, will be generative. Seasoned poets can share some of their own poems, a pizza, and questions.
If you represent an organization that would like to host a "Children's Hour" or "Teen Time," contact me at poetry@gaylteller.com.
If you are a seasoned poet/teacher who would like to partner with one or more budding poets, contact me at poetry@gaylteller.com with time, location, brief bio.
Teen-poets interested in serving your community by helping younger poets, with some guidance from a more seasoned poet/teacher, contact me at poetry@gaylteller.com with time, location, age.
Any budding poet interested in working with a more seasoned poet, contact me at poetry@gaylteller.com with time, location, age.
Nassau County preferred. There may be cut-offs.
Funding needed for seasoned poets.
Gayl Teller has partnered with Fran Baglio's Poetry Class at Glen Cove High School and Four of Deborah Arcuri's Poetry Classes at Wantagh High School
GAYL TELLER POETRY READINGS
December 12, 2009, East Meadow Library, Memorial Tribute for Aeronwy Thomas Ellis
Stanley Barkan, Gayl Teller, Charles Fishman, Robert Harrison
Cross-Cultural Communications in cooperation with The Wales International Center (NY),
The Seventh Quarry (Swansea, Wales), and Poetry Monthly (Nottingham, UK)
on Sunday, May 2, 2010 Poets Laureate of Long Island--
David Axelrod, Gayl Teller, George Wallace, Tammy Nuzzo-Morgan, Maxwell Corydon Wheat--
with Claire Nicolas White. DINNER PARTY AND POETRY READING presented by
PAUMANOK, POEMS AND PICTURES OF LONG ISLAND
(Editor, Kathy Donnelly, Cross-Cultural Communications)
Three Village Inn, Mirabelle Restaurant, The Harborside Room
Stony Brook, NY
http://poetographyLongIsland.com
GAYL TELLER WILL BE A FEATURE POET--
on Sunday, September 19, 2010, 3pm, Feature Poet
Molloy College Poetry Event
Hosted by Barbara Novack
Mutipurpose Room, Wilbur Arts Center, 2nd Floor, Molloy College,
1000 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Center, NY 11570; (516) 678 5000 x 6272; 6468
on Sunday, October 3, 2010, 1:30pm
Lindenhurst Memorial Library
Hosted by Yolanda Coulaz
Pet Memorial Poetry and Poets in For Loving Precious Beast
(Editor, Yolanda Coulaz, Purple Sage Press, 2006)
1 Lee Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY 11757-5399; (631) 957 7755
on Friday, October 29 2010, 6pm-10pm
The North Sea Poetry Scene Presents The
2010 TNSPS Recognition Award To:
Gayl Teller, Nassau County Poet Laureate 2009-11
Dr. David Axelrod, Suffolk County Poet Laureate 2007-9
Dr. Edmund Miller, English Dept. Chair, CW Post, LIU
Dr. Dan Levin, Retired Sergeant-Combat Correspondent;
US Marine Corps, WWII, Creative Writing Prof., CW Post
West Lake Inn, 322 Montauk Highway, Patchogue, NY 11772
631 475 1300. RSVP Thenorthseapoetryscene@hotmail.com
on Sunday, November 21, 2010, 7pm, Feature Poet
Mid-Island Y JCC Poetry Series
45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, NY 11803
(516) 822 2760 X347
on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, Feature Poet
Mac's Backs Paperbacks
Host: Suzanne de Gaetano
1820 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216 321 2665
on Friday, March 11, 2011, 8pm, Feature Poet
Deep Cleveland Reading Series
Host: Joshua Gage
17200 Royalton Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
440 846 1144
www.deepcleveland.com/borders.html
http:// clevelandpoetics.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 17, 2011, 2pm, Feature Poet
Host: Evelyn Kandel
402 Main Street
Port Washington, NY 11050
516 883 9668
Intellectual Property © 2009 Gayl Teller