A slam poem harvest from Leading Together in Complex Times: the art of hosting conversations that matter. November 5-7, 2015 in Sioux Falls.
Day One Becomes Two
Checking in, the welcoming
Pushing off to launch
three days journey.
Hosting as art,
leading together
because the world is complex
with each other we're better.
Drawn to this place
overlooking the city
communities hold
all shapes and flavors
Small towns, downtowns, farm grounds, and Dutch towns.
Teachers, leaders, builders, shapers
Dreamers and doers,
disruption makers.
"The next stage is coming
I wonder how it unfolds"
"Doing it different
from the way we been told"
"The first rough draft
is just taking hold"
"Where is the cookie
in this learning for me?"
"Been longing to sit here
to give myself voice"
“To show up back home
and give them some real choice"
"To cut those beliefs
getting in my own way"
"to let go and let come
with each new day"
"To make a bowl with the hole,
and to give it away."
Hosting
conversations that matter
Not to make it more easy,
but to gather and practice
what to do when it's tough
To host for my community,
to host for my family,
and even, just maybe
to host some for me
Holding time, but holding it loosely
Breaks? Maybe not...
But care for yourself.
Lunch will show up
whenever it's ready.
We'll be in the flow
Trying Thai spaghetti.
Breath in deep,
gather up diversity
Pause at the center,
make some space for creativity
to just bubble up
let the groan
just grow a bit
help the people
to sit in it
that learning zone
where innovation emerges
when we temper the urges
to just solve it quick
And then once it's time,
Let that breath out
Converge on wise action
and projects that shine.
Chaos, a rhythm
being midwife
helping order be born
from the mess and the pain
in the unravelling
of the status quo
that we used to know
but now has crumbled
to its death
the in, and the out
both make the breath
Opening
open space
Whatever happens,
whoever shows up,
Fly butterfly,
buzz like a bee
Go where you care,
you're totally free.
Flowing over with gratitude
A deep humble bow
This dojo holds such energy
opening up here somehow
Learning and practicing
Trusting mates in the work
Giving some meaning
To leading together
A Community, practicing
Making hearts sing.
Another day: Engaging
stepping into it now
the fire is burning
and calling your name
the most powerful thing here
is you
and you’re the only one in your way.
Come on, let’s walk together
this world needs us now
get out of your way
OK?
Day One Becomes Two
Checking in, the welcoming
Pushing off to launch
three days journey.
Hosting as art,
leading together
because the world is complex
with each other we're better.
Drawn to this place
overlooking the city
communities hold
all shapes and flavors
Small towns, downtowns, farm grounds, and Dutch towns.
Teachers, leaders, builders, shapers
Dreamers and doers,
disruption makers.
"The next stage is coming
I wonder how it unfolds"
"Doing it different
from the way we been told"
"The first rough draft
is just taking hold"
"Where is the cookie
in this learning for me?"
"Been longing to sit here
to give myself voice"
“To show up back home
and give them some real choice"
"To cut those beliefs
getting in my own way"
"to let go and let come
with each new day"
"To make a bowl with the hole,
and to give it away."
Hosting
conversations that matter
Not to make it more easy,
but to gather and practice
what to do when it's tough
To host for my community,
to host for my family,
and even, just maybe
to host some for me
Holding time, but holding it loosely
Breaks? Maybe not...
But care for yourself.
Lunch will show up
whenever it's ready.
We'll be in the flow
Trying Thai spaghetti.
Breath in deep,
gather up diversity
Pause at the center,
make some space for creativity
to just bubble up
let the groan
just grow a bit
help the people
to sit in it
that learning zone
where innovation emerges
when we temper the urges
to just solve it quick
And then once it's time,
Let that breath out
Converge on wise action
and projects that shine.
Chaos, a rhythm
being midwife
helping order be born
from the mess and the pain
in the unravelling
of the status quo
that we used to know
but now has crumbled
to its death
the in, and the out
both make the breath
Opening
open space
Whatever happens,
whoever shows up,
Fly butterfly,
buzz like a bee
Go where you care,
you're totally free.
Flowing over with gratitude
A deep humble bow
This dojo holds such energy
opening up here somehow
Learning and practicing
Trusting mates in the work
Giving some meaning
To leading together
A Community, practicing
Making hearts sing.
Another day: Engaging
stepping into it now
the fire is burning
and calling your name
the most powerful thing here
is you
and you’re the only one in your way.
Come on, let’s walk together
this world needs us now
get out of your way
OK?