In Review : Des Moines Poetry Workshop’s “Rest”
RESPITE AND PROSE in the Heartland
It was a chilly April Sunday. I was bracing against the unwelcome flurries in the air- it was nap weather. While we Iowans like to complain about the weather, I often feel as though some celestial being has set the scene intentionally. As if, perhaps, this being knew that the chill would make it easier to be drawn into the enchanting world of words and artistry.
The Des Moines Art Center, with its hidden auditorium nestled beneath the brutalist I.M. Pei wing, played host that day to a gathering of local literary enthusiasts. The occasion was "Rest," an immersive experience curated by the Des Moines Poetry Workshop, showcasing the works of six remarkable members. I recall that I was immediately struck by the venue's warm, earthy tones and plush textures, it was a scene that seemed designed for an evening of tranquility and artistic discovery.
The auditorium at the Des Moines Art Center
Unforgettable Performances: Visual Storytelling and Empowering Themes
As a born-and-raised photographer, I am often astounded by the capacity of poets to ignite vivid imagery in a listener’s mind. Ashton Jordan seamlessly blended her passion for words with her own photographic prowess. Prior to her reading, Jordan expressed how her work is sometimes created at the intersection of multiple media, including her work on a collection inspired by the sometimes eccentric names found on paint color samples, (think "Spiced Brandy.)" I don’t find it surprising at all that a fellow photographer would be particularly adept at this kind of visual storytelling. She wove a captivating tale of her encounter with a personified sunset, which slipped low into a colorful sky to join her in savoring a glass of wine before bidding farewell, vanishing beyond the painted canvas of the horizon.
One poet, Willette Holt, left a lasting impression on me that day. With her poignant subject matter and unflinching honesty, Holt's words moved me to tears. A poet of immense talent, she navigated themes of growth, shame, rage, and her pursuit of generational healing. As a first-generation American with Liberian heritage, her exploration of the human experience struck a deeply personal chord within me. Though our stories and identities are nothing alike, I know all-too-well the fear of inheriting the worst qualities of one's family and the profound empowerment that comes with transcending that fear. After her reading, I can say with confidence that Holt knows the transformative potential of self-empowerment- and she teaches it to others; it’s resonant message that lasts long after her reading ends. To witness Holt perform live is an opportunity not to be missed.
Willette Holt speaks at “Rest”, a series of readings by the Des Moines Poetry Workshop
Des Moines Poetry Workshop : A Treasure of our City
In essence, I found "Rest" to be an introspective journey courtesy of the talented poets who graced the stage. The Des Moines Poetry Workshop is a true treasure of our city. The work these poets have put into bettering each other's craft is evident. If you're a lover of poetry, or just the arts in general, keep an eye on this league of artists as they work to transform Des Moines into one of the most vibrant and innovative poetry communities in the Midwest, if not America.
The Des Moines Poetry Workshop was founded in 2018 by a group of local poets including Kelsey Bigelow, who collaborated with Hidden Des Moines last summer. Open to all aspiring poets who are ready to gather with others for critique with an open mindset, the workshop is a community of creatives who gather to share their work, receive feedback, and grow as artists. If you are an aspiring poet looking to refine your craft and connect with like-minded individuals, the Des Moines Poetry Workshop invites you to join their upcoming meeting on May 20th at noon at the Smokey Row Coffeehouse. Be sure to bring along a maximum of two pages of your work for critique time - they should be available digitally or in enough hard copies to share - and prepare to be inspired!
From left to right; Anna Zilbermints, Dallas Whitefield, Ashton Jordan, Cainon Leeds, Willette Holt, Kelsey Bigelow