By Sara Martin
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

There was a chill in the air at the Eagle’s Trace Poetry group. “Winter” was the reigning theme as members came together to share their original poetry, and images of falling snowflakes, icicles dripping from the rooftops, and blankets of snow conjured up a bygone era for three Yankees in the group.

Joan Perry founded the club with her husband shortly after moving to Eagle’s Trace two years ago. She shared her poem, “Return to the North,” as other members listened thoughtfully.

Literary form and function
“We have an interesting variety of outlooks and a lot of talent in this group,” Perry says.

She has been known to challenge other members to write poems using a certain technique or format. For example, the group has dabbled in alliteration and  iambic pentameter. “We may try sonnets next,” Perry muses.

Lavonne Fesler appreciates the direction. “I have to have something that gets me going,” she says. Like others in the group, Fesler has a long-standing love affair with poetry. She can still recall the first poem she wrote at the tender age of nine. “…although I think I’ve forgotten everything in between,” she says with a laugh.

Spirit-heart connection
Members of the poetry group all agree on one thing: sharing their poetry has helped them get better acquainted with one another. “There is a connection between the spirit and the heart that you don’t get from prose,” says Karen Camerino.

And you don’t have to be an expert to participate. “If you call yourself a poet, you are a poet,” insists Perry.

Free association
The group meets once  a month, and membership is open to those looking for a creative outlet. Meeting in the campus library is an added benefit. “It’s nice that we don’t have to get in our cars and drive,” says Geraldine Stevenson. “Living at Eagle’s Trace makes almost everything easier.”