In the heart of West Marin, California, Albert Flynn DeSilver finds himself amidst the peculiar circumstances of the COVID – 19 pandemic. With the world in a state of flux, the lines between shelter – in – place orders and everyday life have blurred, especially for someone like Albert, who already works from home. Once a regular at live events, teaching at renowned places like Spirit Rock Meditation Center, the Esalen Institute, and various writing conferences across the nation, his schedule has now been overtaken by the digital realm of Zoom.
Surprisingly, this period of isolation has become a fertile ground for his writing and teaching. While he mourns the pain and suffering brought on by the pandemic and its economic aftermath, he also sees a silver lining. The planet, he believes, is getting a much – needed respite from the ceaseless cycle of consumption. For Albert, this time is a profound opportunity for awakening, self – reflection, and the blossoming of creativity. When he’s not immersed in his work, he ventures out, engaging in simple pleasures like mountain biking, hiking with his dog, and finding joy in the embrace of nature, be it communing with the birds, sharing a laugh with the clouds, or dancing amidst the raindrops.
But Albert isn’t here just to share his story. He’s eager to offer a rich tapestry of poems, ideas, inspiration, and even a dash of practicality with food prep guidance. And so, the virtual doors of the Marin Poetry Center’s COVID Confinement Writing Retreat swing open, inviting us all to partake in this unique literary experience.
To set the tone, Albert kicks things off with “The Snow Man” by Wallace Stevens, one of his all – time favorite poems. Stevens’ words paint a vivid and contemplative picture, transporting us to a wintry landscape where the mind must be as cold as the season itself to truly appreciate the beauty and stillness of the snow – covered world. It’s a poem that makes us pause, to consider the relationship between the observer and the observed, and the nature of perception in the midst of a harsh, yet serene environment.
For those eager to delve deeper into the craft of poetry, Albert recommends Mary Jo Bang’s “On Obsession.” Through the link provided, readers and writers alike can explore Bang’s insights, gaining valuable perspectives on how obsession can fuel and shape the creative process. It’s a resource that offers a window into the minds of poets, revealing the driving forces behind their work.
And for the budding poets among us, Albert presents a challenging prompt. The task is to write a poem of ten lines or less, drawing inspiration from the opposite season. The catch? Convey the emotion of longing without using the word itself. To add an extra layer of creativity, he encourages multiple attempts: start by writing by hand, create at least ten versions, experiment with using your non – dominant hand, try crayons for a different texture, and limit yourself to typing only one version. It’s a prompt designed to push the boundaries of our creativity, to make us think differently about language, emotion, and the seasons.
In this time of confinement, the Marin Poetry Center’s retreat serves as a beacon of light, a place where words flow freely, ideas collide, and creativity knows no bounds. It reminds us that even in the most challenging of circumstances, there is beauty, inspiration, and the opportunity to create something truly remarkable.