Vermont Humanities

Words in the Woods with Poet Linda Quinlan in Montpelier

Words in the Woods

Though we were sad to postpone Linda Quinlan’s Words in the Woods event at Lake Elmore due to historic flooding in the state, we were grateful that she came down to the Vermont Humanities office in Montpelier last week amidst the clean up efforts to read several poems for us.

Linda read three poems, which you can watch here, including one in which she reminisced about her time living in New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina. (NOTE: One of the poems contains mentions of suicide.)

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8, or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Thank you to the The Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont State Parks for their partnership on this program, and to series sponsor The WaterWheel Foundation for their support. Words in the Woods events are generously sponsored by a Northeast Kingdom donor in honor of poet Judy Chalmer.

Words in the Woods Recordings

Words in the Woods with Abenaki Musician Bryan Blanchette

Video: In this Words in the Woods event, Abenaki singer-songwriter Bryan Blanchette is joined at Elmore State Park by a small electrified group to perform original and contemporary songs, some sung in the Abenaki language.

Geof Hewitt at table

Words in the Woods with Geof Hewitt

Video: Join writer Geof Hewitt in an entertaining video shot at Elmore State Park as he recites several of his poems and leads a fast-paced writing workshop. The video features a seven-minute interlude of scenery taken at the park, designed to inspire you to write!

Poet James Crews

Words in the Woods with Poet James Crews

Video: Poet James Crews, author of “Bluebird,” reads from and discusses his poetry at Jamaica State Park for our Words in the Woods series. He also shares writing prompts for those inspired by his words.

Poet Judith Chalmer

Words in the Woods with Poet Judith Chalmer

Enjoy the fall colors of New Discovery State Park and the poetry of Judith Chalmer in this Words in the Woods video, recorded when foliage was near its peak. Chalmer reads from her latest collection, “Minnow,” including some poems that were inspired by visits to Vermont state parks.

Poet Keysi Montas wears black framed glasses and a white shirt and holds a folder of poetry while standing on a bridge in front of green foliage and mountain views

Words in the Woods with Poet Keiselim (Keysi) Montás

In this video, Poet and author Keiselim (Keysi) Montás is joined by his daughter Mia Montás Antigua, a poet and author as well, for a reading at Lake Shaftsbury State Park in the fall of 2022 during a Words in the Woods event.

Words in the Woods with Poet Linda Quinlan in Montpelier

Linda Quinlan reads three poems in Montpelier after historic flooding hit the city, including one in which she reminisced about her time living in New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina.

Poet Sarah Audsley in a black dress in front of a large gray rock.

Words in the Woods with Poet Sarah Audsley

Join poet Sarah Audsley in a video recorded at the Taconic Mountains Ramble in Hubbarton, Vermont for the latest installment of “Words in the Woods.” Sarah reads six poems from her manuscript-in-progress and reflects with Vermont Humanities staffers Rachel Edens and Sahra Ali on the power of place and the influence of identity.

Poet Shanta Lee leaning against a tree

Words in the Woods with Poet Shanta Lee

Join poet Shanta Lee in a video recorded at Sweet Pond State Park in Guilford, Vermont for the latest installment of Words in the Woods. Shanta reads from her collection, GHETTOCLAUSTROPHOBIA: Dreamin of Mama While Trying to Speak Woman in Woke Tongues, and reflects with Vermont Humanities staffers Rachel Edens and Sahra Ali on the craft of poetry.

Words in the Woods with Toussaint St. Negritude

Video: In this Words in the Woods event from July 9, 2022, Toussaint St. Negritude recites poems and plays music for an outdoor audience at Boulder Beach State Park in Groton, Vermont.

Vermont Humanities*** August 2, 2023