What it Wants

The heart wants

what it wants. Those geese fly

predictably and beautifully south

over the stubbled fields of Millbrook

off Route 82. You stand

light easing the morning open.

Remember the most silent snowy night,

a horseback ride through the Andes,

the dog’s soft muzzle and silent breath,

a wedding illumined completely

by candles, the green of Scotland

just outside? Know this: Thoreau walked

those paths outside Concord

at Walden Pond, poet, essayist,

mystic. All art is a form of longing,

reaches toward the last bits

of low afternoon light, the wings

of the geese, wind whisper,

whisper, whisper. Yes,

the heart wants what it wants.

— By Libby Wagner, from her book, Somehow 2012.

 

Creative Artistry Retreats

Begin or deepen your writing and artistry, specifically in terms of generative and experiential practices. As an experienced writing teacher and artist, Libby creates a welcoming, inspiring space to explore approaches, tools, and methods.

All writers and artists are welcome, and each event offers interactive and solo writing and reflective time. Guest artists may be writers, musicians, actors, designers, visual artists, and more. Libby also works with a select number of one-on-one writing clients each year.

We will post information here about future Creative Artistry retreats. If you wish to receive notifications about this workshop, please use the message area in our Contact Form to let us know, and we will make sure that you get all the details.

“Here are blendings of chant, hymn, and instrumentation, so uplifting and mesmerizing they may bring your mind to a complete stop, which is a good thing if your thoughts are anything like some of mine.”

— Billy Collins, Poet and US Poet Laureate 2001-2003

Having worked closely with Owen and Libby for the past several years, I feel the work they are now embarking on together is sure to create a beautiful understanding of the way the power of the arts can transform individual and organizational life.

— David Whyte, Poet and Philosopher

Previous Retreats | Reflections from Bealtaine and Samhain