January 17, 2025
Madrona
A poem by Rachel White
Ancient symbol of wisdom, refined art
and culture, of sacred lands by the sea,
of abundance—each red fruit a bright heart
inflamed by beauty—the strawberry tree
with rosy paper bark, an evergreen
hardwood, durable and known for its grain
and resilience, for its store of water
and legendary strength, for its flowers—
fragrant white bells opening by powers
of perception—for healing spirit and matter.
Special Acknowledgements
Thank you to our host, local artist DeVon Stanfield, for holding tremendous and intentional space.
Thank you to pianist and composer Jared Ray Gilmore for the music that drew us into shared experience.
Thank you to poet Rachel White for penning and reading an original poem for the occasion.
Thank you to the artists Linda Dalton Walker, Trevor Dahl, Anna Leigh Moore, Caro Nilsson and Derrick Capito for immersing us in nature-inspired visual art.
Thank you to the donors who contributed all of the supplies, food, drinks and other expenses so that 100% of donations could go to our mission.
Thank you to every one who attended and contributed their presence, passion and dreams.