I've spent the last three weeks at North Star of Texas National Writing Project Summer Institute. What an amazing experience this has been. The opportunity to share my writing and hear the stories and poetry of an other 17 women has been life affirming and emotional, truly a transforming opportunity.
Here's one of my poems, inspired by a brief lesson on the Alamo.
I am
a spiritual place
where many feet have trod
none so remembered as that day in 1836.
I am
a place of God
that has witnessed ungodly acts
and stand in testament for all to know what happened here.
I am
the dirt that took in the blood
of men from two places
who met here on that fateful day
and fought to the death.
I am
the walls that echoed the screams of fear and pain
that offered resistance for many days
until our noble efforts failed.
I am
the ceiling that bore the cannon and musket fire
until the night stars looked down on those inside
counseling them the end was near.
I am
the air, staid and still
that enfolds you now
as you remember what happened here.
I am
the Alamo.
Gayle Baar
North Star of Texas Summer Institute 2008
