Community Projects : Song from the woods
In February 2008, participants embarked on a music and creative writing project with the aim of creating pieces of poetry, song and music inspired by the wych elm tree. Over a period of five weeks the group worked closely with Valerie Gillies (poet) and Savourna Stevenson (harpist) to create a varied selection of creative works.
The workshops were designed in a way to allow the group to explore different music and writing styles with Savourna and Valerie sharing their work and nurturing the creativity in the group. For inspiration the group spent time in Lord Ancrum’s wood where several wych elms grow. The completed project consists of collection 6 poems and two songs. These have been recorded using facilities provided by Jewel and Esk College.
Poem by Sandra Swanney inspired by the Wych Elm tree:
The Wych Elm and Me
You stand so tall and proud
I come to you for strength and wisdom
Your branches welcome me
Your spirit invites me
You give me hope
So clear that you are holding my hand
I can hear your voice
I can hear it in the wind as you speak
You hold me close
Red heartwood full of joy
You fill my heart
So clear that you are holding my hand
Fed by the sun and rain
Fruit carried on the breeze
Connects all living things
A love that we all long for
You feed my spirits
So clear that you are holding my hand
Song from the woods Part 1, Part 2 | Community Yurt | Tree of life project
