Happy Thanksgiving!

WHEN TURKEYS WERE CLAY
—Kathy Kieth, Fair Oaks

Smell of warm wet wool over squeaky
muddy rubber boots: peckish first-graders

cooped up, restless in November rain.
Cool white ceramic turkeys nestle

in small hands as cheap brushes feather
poster paint in neon globs and patches.

None of us had ever seen turkeys, so we
made them up, leaving fan-tailed rainbows

leaping over dusty paper towels. . .

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In addition to this Saturday’s readings (see yesterday’s post) here are some upcoming events to take note of on next week’s busy poetry calendar:

***Monday (11/28) The Sac. Poetry Center present the Zen Marxist Launderettes (Ellen Johnson, Erin Doyle, Carolyn Schneider, Emily Wright, Margaret S. Burns, Laura Ann Walton, Sandra K. Senne, Mira Kores, Cecile Martin) at HQ (25th & R Sts., Sac), 7:30 pm. Info: 451-5569.

***Wednesday (11/30) will be a read-around at Hidden Passage Books, 352 Main St., Placerville, 6-7 pm. It's an open-mike read-around, so bring your own poems or those of a favorite poet to share, or just come to listen.

***Thursday (12/1) Sacramento Poetry Center’s Annual Benefit will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the home of Burnett and Mimi Miller, 1224 40th St., Sac. Poetry by Tim McKee and Charles Curtis Blackwell, music by the a cappella quintet, Cherry Fizz, complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, silent auction. $25 per person, payable at the door. SPC President Mary Zeppa says, Because arts funding is always a premium, volunteers do most of the work which makes our programs possible. Those who join us on December 1 not only share our celebration but help support our continued survival. If you can’t fit our party into your busy life, you can still warm our hearts, still send us some holiday cheer, still support our ongoing programs with a tax-deductible contribution. If you’ve ever been warmed by, cheered by, delighted by, inspired by an SPC reading or an SPC publication, let your memories of those moments guide your hand as you write your check. And help us spread the word!

***Friday (12/2) Taylor Graham, Phil Weidman and Kathy Kieth will read at the “Our House Defines Art” Gallery, 4510 Post St., El Dorado Hills, 7 pm. An evening of fine poetry surrounded by beautiful art. For more info, or if you are interested in reading, contact Mike Roberts (916-933-4278 or mroberts@ourhousedefinesart.com). There are very few reading venues available in El Dorado County; come on up and enjoy this new one in a lovely setting with three fine, fine poets (well, okay, two fine poets and me…). And thanks to Mike Roberts for supporting local poetry!

***Also Friday (12/2): Poetry Unplugged presents Beth Lisick at Luna’s Café, 1414 16th St., Sac, 8:30 pm. Earlier this year, Beth Lisick released (via the ReganBooks imprint) Everybody Into The Pool, a collection of ‘true tales’ written from the first person. Also: Gene Bloom, Terrell and Eric, B.L. Kennedy, and more. $5. Info: 916-441-3931.

***Saturday (12/3): Poetry in Rancho Cordova at Club Itaewon, 2942 Bradshaw Road (near King Skate). $3. Info: T-Mo, 519-5213, www.fingerpirntpress.com/terry.

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Medusa will be taking a wee break during Thanksgiving; I'll be back online Tuesday the 29th.

—Medusa

Medusa encourages poets of all ilk and ages to send their poetry and announcements of Northern California poetry events to kathykieth@hotmail.com for posting on this daily Snake blog. Rights remain with the poets. Previously-published poems are okay for Medusa’s Kitchen, as long as you own the rights. (Please cite publication.)