a Poets Picnic Photo Spread

May 7, 2022, was a rebirth of sorts, the first big public gathering of Albuquerque-area poets in two years after the Poets Picnic was originally scheduled, then cancelled due to city and state coronavirus regulations. A glorious rebirth it was with approximately 250 eager folks gathering in person, not on Zoom, at the beautiful Open Space Visitor Center off Coors. Even Mother Nature mostly cooperated as we had sunny, clear skies without the overpowering wind we’d had for days—strong breezes in the late afternoon, but not bad. People were simply happy to be back together in a day of celebration.

A couple of days before the Picnic, members of Escribiente, Albuquerque’s calligraphy society, hung Weathergrams throughout the trees on the grounds of the Visitor Center. These were representative haiku from the chapbook which had also been on hold for two years, which also came back to life, this time under the leadership of Esther Feske. Hours and hours of work went into the Weathergrams and the chapbooks, which were also aided by Libros, the New Mexico Book Arts Guild. The Weathergrams are printed on paper designed to “weather” over the course of the seasons, replaced each year with a newer batch, so these basically remain on display for reading (and searching) pleasure throughout the grounds until they organically break down, enjoyment for anyone who visits the Open Space.

As in previous years, the morning began with two smaller events featuring poets and organizers Dale Harris and Scott Wiggerman: a one-hour haiku workshop led by Dale, and a one-hour gingko walk led by Scott. More than two dozen people attended the workshop and nearly that many followed Scott on a short walk with stops to observe and write. One of the goals for this Picnic was to conduct everything outside as a precaution against spreading the virus, so again we got lucky with the weather. While some participated in the workshop and hike, others scouted out trees for Weathergrams or perused tables from vendors such as Jules Poetry Playhouse, Dos Gatos Press, Poets Picnic chapbooks, or the New Mexico State Poetry Society.

Following the smaller events, it was time for lunch and for music. Attendees were encouraged to either bring a picnic lunch or to purchase food from the available food truck, which featured delicious crepes of both sweet and savory varieties. Then drumming started, calling the tribes to the patio area of the Open Space Visitor Center: time for the music of the Wise Crane Taiko Group, three women with big drums and a definite style. What many probably didn’t know—especially given how polished the performance—was that this was the first time the group of Japanese-style drummers had played in public! Very impressive sounds and words!

Next were a few words from those who also helped bring this event to fruition: Christine Vasquez, the Open Space manager, and her amazing staff, especially Dionne Epps and Brianda Reza; former manager and Open Space Alliance board member Kent Swanson; Bernadette Perez, current President of the New Mexico State Poetry Society. Then the words really started to fly: poetry, poetry, poetry! All varieties and styles from both famous and amateur poets—and everyone in between. As always, organizers Dale Harris and Scott Wiggerman were featured, alongside slam poet Damien Flores, City of Albuquerque Poet Laureate Emeritus Jessica Helen Lopez, New Mexico-Arizona Book award winner Barbara Rockman, and musician and poet Gregory (Goyo) Candela. Features were interspersed with dozens of open mic readers sharing their own words, some for the very first time, including five-year-old Rosemary. Yes, the afternoon got breezier, but no one seemed to mind as emcee Scott Wiggerman continued to introduce poets to the stage overlooking the gorgeous Sandias until everyone who wanted to read had an opportunity.

All in all, an outstanding celebration of nature, calligraphy, music, and poetry!