Ecopoetry of Love and Loss

Writing ecopoetry can serve as a powerful space not only to connect with the Sacred, but also to name our desires, fears, grief, and love in a world marked by environmental crisis and climate chaos. One form of poetry, the ghazal (pronounced "guzzle"), an ancient Arabic and Persian poetic style, is especially helpful for tapping into emotional responses that may evade a clear linear narrative. This creative expression can be a moving practice to engage in and with nature.

Join published poet and Poetry Editor Melanie Weldon-Soiset for a workshop introducing the ghazal as ecopoetry. During this 2-hour workshop, we will:

• Learn the principles and superpowers of the ghazal
• Read and examine example ghazal ecopoems
• Draft our own ghazals as we engage spiritually with the natural world
• Engage optional sharing of our poems as a community

Ready to encounter the Sacred and ineffable in nature and in your own heart? Welcome. The ghazal is waiting for us.

YOUR GUIDE

Melanie Weldon-Soiset (she/her) will lead this fascinating workshop as a contributing partner for The Center for Spirituality in Nature. She is a published poet, Poetry Editor, and contemplative prayer leader. Her poems have been published in over two dozen journals, including Clerestory, Tipton Poetry Journal, and Sunlight Press. She is the 2022 Washington Writers' Publishing House "Writes the Holidays" contest winner, and a 2021 New York Encounter poetry contest finalist.

Melanie is an MDiv graduate from Wesley Theological Seminary, and she holds a certificate for “Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats” from the Shalem Institute. Melanie will complete her MFA in poetry from the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University in May 2024. She is a #ChurchToo survivor, former pastor for foreigners in Shanghai, and is serving as the final Poetry Editor of Geez Magazine. Melanie has published book reviews

for several ecopoetry and ecological justice collections, and is active in her neighborhood gardening group.

Melanie is from the land of Muscogee and Cherokee; she currently lives on Nacotchtank territory. Find her in real-life biking on DC greenways. Find her online (including her monthly poetry and prayer missive) at melanieweldonsoiset.com (IG: @MelanieWelSoi).