Under the leadership of Julie Leavitt and her sister Lisa, both residents of Newton Upper Falls, the village held a dedication ceremony this morning for the Edna Martin Poetry Path, a small conservation area with a path on a hill that runs up and down to Circuit Road, about three houses in from Route 9. It connects residents of Circuit Road with Roundwood Road on Eliot Hill, offering them pedestrian access to the Eliot T Stop. Roughly 35 people attended the observance that featured a path dotted with poems on posts attributed to local Newton residents and decorated with painted rocks created by Mason-Rice second graders. Several poets were asked to read their poems and there was a small Poetry Lending Library available for attendees to access. The path’s creators, according to a Navaho tradition, left one post empty, without a poem attached, allowing for imagination and good spirits to join the cultural celebrations. Poets ranged in age from 7 to 70’s and all but one live in the immediate area of this charming path. This project was supported by the Newton Conservation Commission, with materials donated by National Lumber and signage provided by the Newton North Graphics Department. Simone Klein was the intern who helped to facilitate the project.
Upper Falls Residents Steward Poetry Path
by Sallee Lipshutz | Jun 27, 2021 | Newton | 7 comments
How delightful!
I’m kicking myself that I spaced out on the kickoff for this today. I just stopped by and took the walk and it is a real treat.
Hats off the Julie, Lisa and all the other folks who put together this wonderful creation.
If you want a breath of fresh air – both literally and metaphorically, head down to Circuit Ave in Upper Falls and have a walk on the Poetry Path.
Some of the poetry books that were available for the Grand Opening of the Poetry Path have now found their way to the Little Free Library at the Depot, Oak and Chestnut Street. Be sure to visit and take a poetry book. It’s great reading to accompany you for a meditative walk along the Greenway. And be sure to spend some leisurely, well-shaded time at the Martin Poetry Path.
If the past year and a half has shown us anything – it’s community. Julie, Lisa and a whole team of community minded collaborators have brought the breath of joy that connects a walk in the woods to poetry and art. I am honored to have my poem chosen but more importantly to have met them and to know in a short walk from my house there is this very cool experience! Bravo and well done!!
My husband and I had great fun clearing the path several weeks ago and meeting new neighbors.
I am thrilled that my poem joins so many others adorning the path.
Have a wonderful summer everyone.
Thank you to Julie, Lisa and all those who made this path to beauty and gave a voice to the Upper Falls community, to express their feelings through Art and Poetry. What a glorious way to bring people together. I am honored to have participated. With gratitude, Maya Evans
I love this idea and would love to replicate it in our Michigan village. Does anyone had photos of the path they can share? I can be reached at colleen(at)colleennewquist.com. Thank you!