The Truth of Us Is Complicated
By Kai Adia
The simple grace of breath
giving rise to our chest, a mantle
upholding the highest vision of our stories,
the people we meet and the lines
we string together to make the full knot bridge …
I think I’m open
to the idea of an unseen hand
playing the keys
Tapping our chests
If it is a creator of love
Watching, guiding, and linking
the sound waves between us
into heart lines ringing a resounding note
on the bridge.
Just don’t forget
This presence moves on our command
Inspired by the sounds we promise
and the motions we make
To live by the mantle
Hold fast and feel
the tapping on the chest.
February has come with lots of joyful opportunities. Beautiful snow deep enough to pull out the old wooden skis, make snow angels and sculptures. Thank you to the crews who plow our roads. Thank you to Katie and Marshall Carroll for keeping the gas station open, Monday to Friday, 8 am – 3 pm, and 9 am – 1 pm on the weekend. Thank you, Rebecca Gilbert, for opening Native Earth Teaching Farm for visits on Sundays from 2 to 4 pm. Thank you to Beetlebung Farm, North Tabor Farm, and Gray Barn for offering us so many delicious treats.
Bill O’Callaghan reported the potluck jam last Saturday was wonderful and well-attended. It is nice to get out and see people.
I want to shout out to the people who make the Chilmark library a community center. Thank you, Irene Tewksbury, for merrily sourcing esoteric books, and reminding me they are ready to be picked up; Chloe Monzania, for kindness and book recommendations — I am captivated by “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon, and rereading sections. Thank you, Lynne McCormack, for joyful programs, and I want to be in a book club with Ann DeWitt. Thanks also to Barbara Bassett and Ebba Hierta.
I encourage everyone to check out all of the events offered by the library: I like meeting new people, and look forward to Wednesdays Chilmark Coffee and Conversation, with treats from 7a, 10:30 to noon.
Anyone up for a game of Bananagrams? The library is hosting and offering chowder on Fridays, 11:30 am to 1 pm. I love to play games.
One of the highlights of my week is the Slow Stitching Circle, Fridays from 2 to 4 pm at Pathways. The growing circle is well-tended by Rebecca Gilbert and Connie Hyde. Thank you.
The bands are playing at Pathways Friday night. Doors open at 6:30 pm and music starts at 7. This week features the Lunarchs, Becky Williams, Rich Giaimo, Martin Cumming, and Jim Orr, and Sinfluencer, Adam Howell, Allie Horowitz, Anthony Esposito, Noa Maxner, and Martin Cummings.
Well done to the M.V. boys hockey team for saying “puck cancer,” and dedicating their home game this Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7 pm to those affected by cancer. The players will be wearing jerseys in honor of someone they want to remember who died because of cancer. The stands will be filled with jerseys purchased to raise funds for the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. Let’s join them in saying “PUCK CANCER” by packing the barn! The team’s hashtags for this event say volumes about these young men: #mvrhs #vineyardhockey #communitysupport #showthelove #hockeylife #bepartofsomethingbigger #togetherwearestronger #ittakesavillage
Happy Valentine’s Week. This week let’s try and put a smile on the faces of those who need it most.
If you have any Chilmark Town Column suggestions, email Claire Ganz, cganz@live.com.
