Eighth Annual Little River Poetry Festival June 2 – 4
Eighth Annual Little River Poetry Festival Celebrates its Intergenerational Poets and the River That Spawned Its Name – by Judith Stevens
Once upon a time, on a long-ago visit to Floyd, Festival founders Jack Callan and his wife, Judith Stevens, asked a Floyd native to help them trace the Little River to its source. It was a wonderful way to spend a sunny weekend. In Winter, they often bundled up and rose while it was still dark, taking folding chairs to sit by the side of that selfsame river, listening to her burbling song in the predawn hours –writing poetry.
The essence of the Festival is Nature. Kayaking down the Little River with its usually calm presence and its majestic mountain rock formations rising dramatically along her sides, speaks to the heart and soul. Past poetry excursions up Buffalo Mountain, Rocky Knob, and down Thunderstruck Road offer additional opportunities to draw others into writing about the beauty of Floyd. Some people have never kayaked or written a poem in their lives. They do both on the Little River. The prevailing sounds of wildlife, insects and feathered friends provide a soothing backdrop for our float, a reassurance that even with the challenges and unexpected events in life, the Little River, as seemingly ordinary as it is extraordinary, exists on her own timeline and offers a tranquil experience.
The river exercises her magic; we return peaceful, renewed, yet exhilarated. On one such paddle, we experienced Nature’s ability to reveal Herself as we steered underneath a giant rock overcropping, landing in the midst of what turned out to be a natural rock formation. We instantly “saw” an audience on the riverbank, listening as poets read their newly composed poems from their kayaks under the shelter of that natural granite amphitheater.
So far, the river has been kind; only three to four feet deep and with no whitewater, it only requires minimal paddling. The gentle current carries you. Even the weather has not kept us from ecstasy. The only time it rained, we closed the flaps and shared homecooked meals, poems, music and laughter in the sanctuary of our tent. (Musical instruments welcome!)
We have been supported by an “old guard” of poetry, members of the Poetry Society of Virginia, poet laureates, and published members of the mountain community, as well as many sharing poetry for the first time. Last year brought a large group of young poets who gave energy and cohesiveness to the Festival. Smiles and good will greeted the dozen or more teenage and young adult poets who created a group rap poem that was met with warm appreciation – one generation learning from another.
Come on down to the Sowers Family Farm, 2053 Thunderstruck Road, “On the Water Outfitters” Kayak Company, in Floyd starting Friday, June 2 around 1:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 4 at 3:00 p.m. Enjoy homecooked meals by donation.
Hear poet Brian Magill of Yorktown share creating “Neanderthal Poetry,” using only words of one syllable. Jack Callan has created another Poetry Ensemble featuring Northern Virginia prizewinning poet, Eric Forsbergh; Richmond’s PSV Vice-president Joanna Lee; Virginia Beach playwright, Larry Brown; Portsmouth’s Edith Blake. Festival founders, Judith and Jack will read with the Ensemble theme, “Everything is Possible ” as Jack takes a break from building their Floyd home on the side of a mountain, chronicled in an aptly titled poem about his building adventures, “Stonehenge.”
Meadows of Dan musician/poet Jim Best will be on hand with his hang drum. Floyd poets Katherine Chantel and Colleen Redman will perform for the traditional Sunday, “Free Floyd Day,” in a nod to our host city. This is an “open to all residents” of Floyd on Sunday, sent with love.
There’s something for every taste: from Gentle “Yoga for Health” with a Certified Iyenger Instructor, poetry readings, workshops and poetic excursions, to sunning or napping in the meadow, utilizing your “Lawn Chair Clause.”
Bring your tent and try “primitive Camping” in the field for $10 per night! Festival cost is $45 dollars for the entire weekend, or $15 per day. Drop-Ins Welcome. Add $35 for kayaking down the Little River. Pay for your meals when you meet the chef.
We’ve come full circle on the water again, “Spirit bearing witness to Spirit.” See you at the River!
-Little River Poetry Fest @ www.facebook.com/LittleRiverPoetryFest For details contact Jack Callan in Floyd: 540-745-2961 To Register, Contact Judith Stevens, Registrar: 757-428-7744 539 Mulligan Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Registration HERE.
