Lucidity Ozark Poetry Retreat #27 at Eureka Springs, April 2-4, 2019, was joy personified for me.

Working with passionate poets from across the country for several days was a thrill. Hours of skilled speakers offered inspiration and encouragment.

Director Birma Castle, Oklahoma Poet Laureate (2013-2014) Nathan Brown, and Dr. Charlotte Renk, winner of the 2017 Catherine Case Lubbe Manuscript Prize gave us professional and well-rounded information, as did this year's Featured Poet, Pat Durmon of Norfork, Arkansas.

I walked away exhausted each night yet with lighter steps, carrying clearer images for future writing.

Daily critique groups provided uplift and exposure to insights, skills and viewpoints that helped me grow as a poet.

This was my third year attending this event, but far from my last.

Will I see you there next April? I hope so.