Fairy Godmother’s Midnight and the Art of Archetype
Fairy Godmother’s Midnight and the Art of Archetype is the newest installment in the Soulful Aging poetry reading tour that Katherine Chantal and Colleen Redman have been doing since the winter of 2022 at various regional venues. They will be presenting this latest call-and-response reading at the Little River Poetry Festival (On the Water Outfitters 2053 Thunderstruck Rd. Floyd) on Friday at 7 pm, following a homecooked on-site dinner.
Colleen says: “My introduction into the world of archetypes came when I was a girl by way of fairytales and nursery rhymes. To this day Rumpelstiltskin and the Snow Queen repeatedly show up in my poetry. Fairytales gave me access into an inner life. The themes played out in fairytales – fate, survival, temptation, loss, courage, fear, and perseverance – are all the ingredients that make for good storytelling. Stories mirror life and give insight into the underpinnings of it.”
… Now the hour is closing in / like it did for Cinderella / I know the shoe fits / and the future is your prince… – Colleen
Fairy tales have been a strong part of Katherine’s upbringing and have been influential and inspirational throughout her life. She says, “Folk tales, myths, archetypes bring a depth, a richness, to the fabric of living a soulful path, enchanting each day of the mystery.” She has a section in her latest poetry collection called Heroes and Heroines.
As the heroine bows / To the holy grail / That contains all / She does not know / A transcending doorway / Unmarked / Illusive / Even as it beckons / An unsent invitation / She has been waiting for / From the never ending / Ever after… Katherine
Katherine and Colleen will draw from the poems in their latest poetry books, which can be found on Amazon by searching their names. The Little River Poetry festival begins on Friday May 31st at 1 pm and ends on Sunday June 2 at 3 pm. It includes open mics, workshops, featured readings and nature excursions for $20 a day. Drop-ins are welcome and Sunday is free for Floyd Countians. More about the Little River Poetry Festival at 2053 Thunderstruck Rd. Floyd, Virginia, including a schedule for the three-day event, can be found on Facebook.
-Note- The photo above was taken of Women of the 7the Veil improv poetry troupe (Jane Avery, Colleen Redman and Katherine Chantal) at Altared Space in the late ’90s I’m guessing.