The Good Land Offers a Home for Goleta Poets

Melinda Palacio

The Poetry Club

      

When I saw the announcement of a poetry club at the Goleta Valley Library, I was happy to check it out since I thought the library was closed for renovations. When I arrived, I realized there was some information missing from the announcement. The Goleta Valley Library is indeed closed for renovations but there was a sign sending people to the express library. Since last July, the library’s collection is in a temporary building at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105, known as GVL Express. At the Express library you can use one of four computers, check out and return books, buy books from the Friends of the Library, and take advantage of a variety of free bilingual services and resources.

I walked in expecting to be only a little late to the poetry club. However, the friendly staff explained that the poetry club was being held at the Goleta Community Center in the opposite direction I had traveled. The librarian’s encouragement kept me going. She said that the poetry club is worth finding and lots of fun. Most of the library’s social meetings, their mystery book club and film club, are located at the Goleta Community Center. By the time I found The Poetry Club, the doors to the community center were locked. Luckily, someone heard me rattling the door and let me in.

What I found was a welcoming group of diverse people, both poetry enthusiasts and budding poets in a large comfortable room with chairs and comfortable couches. The atmosphere was of friends learning about poetry and commenting on the poems. At least two people shared their own poetry. Library Assistant Tara Patrick brought copies of well known poems to discuss, but was pleased that participants brought their own favorite poems to pass out. “The idea is you don’t have to be a poet,” she said, “but we love for people to read their own work. Poet César R. Verrier enjoys bringing new drafts of his work to the group for feedback. “You can test how it resonates with other people and work on it,” he said.

César R. Verrier

 

A young poet, Nazani Cassidy, found the Poetry Club on instagram through the library’s @goletavalleylibrary account. She cherishes the monthly meetings and says she would attend more often should the group decide to meet weekly. Nazani works in Old Town and was thrilled to find a poetry group in her community that fits her full time work schedule. The Poetry Club meets the 3^rd Sunday of the Month from 2-3:30 pm at the Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue and is a free program offered by the Goleta Valley Library. Nazani appreciates the support and encouragement she receives from the group. “This is a great group of local people who really care about taking the time to listen.

 

Nazani Cassidy

 *an earlier version of this column was published in the Santa Barbara Independent

Poetry Connection: Connecting with Poets of Different Generations

Melinda Palacio

 Earlier this month, David Starkey, Santa Barbara Poet Laureate from 2009-2011, hosted his semi-annual poetry series at the Goleta Valley Library August 4. Given that it was the last day of Fiesta, it was nice to see a full house. I was honored to read with a lineup that showcased four different generations of Santa Barbara County poets. Library technician Craig Clevenger is thrilled to have the series at the Goleta Valley Library. “I am truly moved by the participation and attendance at these events,” he said. “That such a thriving community for poetry is alive and well here is proof that Santa Barbara is a bright pin in the literary map.”

 

Musician and Vietnam Veteran, Ruben Lee Dalton read from his book of poetry, Broken Bottles, a book that was published four years ago, during the pandemic. As many authors whose books were released during covid lockdown, it’s tough to figure out how to relaunch a book. Dalton’s first reading and presentation of Broken Bottles was on David Starkey’s television show, the Creative Community. When I asked the poet about his plans for a relaunch of his book, he nodded and mentioned he was thinking about it. His poems speak about fatherhood and human nature and the natural world. His poems about being a combat veteran are some of the best examples of that genre. I look forward to seeing more events surrounding this important poetry collection. 

 

While Dalton was our eldest poet, I represented the next generation or the Gen X group. My set of poems dealt with more contemporary political issues, such as the Dobbs decision, Black Lives Matter, and the border, specifically my poem that reimagines the legend of La Llorona. I had some friends in the audience who I hadn’t seen in over fifteen years. I read some older poems that I usually don’t read. 

 

Putting a set together is important to me. We all have attended poetry readings where the poet is not prepared and is flipping through their books and pages, trying to decide which poem to read. This causes the audience to lose their interest, however much they adore the poet. It’s important to respect the audience and to prepare a set. And, it’s always good to have a few extra poems prepared in case you are allotted extra time. 

 

I usually have a guitar or ukulele with me and if I am the only reader, I might plan on playing a song. At the library, because there were four readers, I left my instruments at home. It turned out I could have played a tune. A traffic incident caused two of our poets to be delayed and our host invited me to read a little longer. I was glad I had extra poems, but regretted that the one time I had left my guitar at home was when I could have used it. A lesson learned. Always be prepared. 

 

Next, our soon-to-be college student and Youth Poet Laureate, Jasmine Guerrero Sevilla arrived and read her poems. Last month’s guest column, featured an interview of Jasmine by Cie Gumicio. Jasmine writes effectively and lyrically in both English and Spanish. I am glad that her voice is being celebrated. Starting college at Sacramento State and a turn as Santa Barbara’s Youth Poet Laureate seems daunting, but after meeting her, I am sure she will excel at both. 

 

Our youngest reader was 10-year-old poet Soe Bender. With two parents who are writers, it’s no wonder Soe is already being published in this year’s California Poets in the Schools 2024 State Anthology. She was inspired to write her first poem when she was 8 years old after reading Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai. I wanted to know what she liked about writing poetry. She said, “I like that I can express my feelings through the rhythm of the words.” She reads her work with authority and energy. She is an impressive child and poet. 

 

This week’s poem comes from Soe Bender. 

 

 

 

I Am From…

 

By Soe Bender

 

I am from the sound of my dad, strumming his guitar,

music echoing through the walls

 

I am from the warmth of the sun and the patter of the rain on my face

When I step outside each day

 

I am from the pots clanging in the kitchen

Garlic and spices drifting through the air all around

 

I am from my first word, my first step, my first hug

Memories I will never forget

 

I am from laughs and smiles from my family and friends

That can cheer up any sad day

 

I am from the soft waves lapping against my feet

As my heels dig into the sun-kissed sand

 

I am from the snowy mountains

 

I am from the rolling hills

 

I am from everything that has made me happy or sad

Because all those things are apart of me

 

 

Soe Bender lives in Santa Barbara with her mom, dad, brother and dog, Cosmo. She spends most of her time drawing, writing, and painting. She enjoys listening to K-pop music and loves to express her creativity in different ways. 

*an earlier version of this column was published in the Santa Barbara Independent

Covid-19, the Proverbial Sh*T Hits the Fan

Melinda Palacio




This is my second post on Covid 19. Two weeks ago, I was in New Orleans, people were still going about their business and keeping up with their social lives. I went to a concert at an art museum with dozens of people. I was careful not to hug or shake hands, but the Corona virus didn't seem like a big threat as hundreds of my writer and education friends chose to go to a large conference in San Antonio, even though  the mayor had declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak. Today, with all events, schools, and most workplaces closed, the world is a different place as the global pandemic has showed everyone the seriousness of a dormant virus in which a person carrying the virus can infect several people without knowing they are infected. With people dying, quarantines in place, not enough medical equipment in our country, and the economy tanking, it seems like the end of the world. However, I can only hope that people will start to show their better sides and stop hoarding things like toilet paper and butter. Stores have gotten the memo about how a few rotten people can make life difficult for others. I made a second trip to Whole Foods yesterday and the management has put a limit on the amount of eggs, butter, and other high demand items people can buy. My sister who is a nurse in Downey, California, tells me there is a shortage of masks and protective gear for staff and patients. I tried to find a little solace by going for a walk in nature. Here are some photos from Lake Los Carneros (a pond really) in Goleta. I am grateful that walking in nature is still an option during this time of isolation and social distancing. Take care everyone.

Enjoying the fresh air

a nice path

Wildflowers

Swans fish

Goleta the Good Land

Clouds