From Hometown Weekly August 17th, 2023

Long-time Walpole resident Marcie Schwartz has been an active participant in the local community for years, recently focusing on educating youth about the art of poetry and the intricate layers that poets can weave into their compositions. In addition to her work with children, Schwartz holds certification in Poetic Medicine, a practice that helps individuals discover their voices by employing poems and poetry to foster connections around specific topics and emotions. This method is particularly effective for individuals who have encountered trauma, anxiety, or stressors. On Tuesday, August 15th, Schwartz unveiled her own children's book, “When Someone Deeply Listens to You,” featuring illustrations by Eric Funk.

Schwartz's journey into Poetic Medicine began during her retirement while teaching Mommy and Me classes in Westwood under her business, Marcie and Me. Since obtaining her certification, Schwartz has been diligently educating local youth about the significance of poetry and the power of lending an ear to one's emotions, ensuring that each individual's voice is acknowledged.

"For me, Poetic Medicine is about granting people a platform to express themselves, affirming that they are indeed heard. Transferring your emotions from within onto the page is incredibly therapeutic. While everyone tends to internalize their feelings, there's a theory that suppressing emotions might contribute to health issues and underlying conditions. In the realm of poetic medicine, there is no judgment placed on whether a poem is 'good' or 'bad'; the authenticity of the poetry itself is paramount. If it originates from your heart, that is what holds importance," Schwartz explained.

“When Someone Deeply Listens to You” represents Schwartz's second publication and Funk's inaugural illustrated project. The book embodies unity within communities, embracing diversity in terms of ethnicity, hair color, religious affiliations, and more. Schwartz was resolute in ensuring that every child reading her book felt both included and validated.

"Eric and I deliberated for over two and a half hours, carefully selecting skin tones, hair colors, ethnic backgrounds, and more. A librarian shared with me that this book allows every child to see themselves within its pages, a sentiment that truly warmed my heart," Schwartz reflected.

The book's creation spanned approximately a year and a half, delving into eighteen distinct emotions that children commonly encounter in their daily lives. Although it originated as a poem, after discussions with librarians, Schwartz recognized its potential as an invaluable resource for schools, households, and libraries.

With vibrant and captivating pages, the poem engulfs readers, guiding them through a journey of emotional experiences while underscoring the significance of vocalizing one's feelings and the inherent value of being heard. This poignant message is one that Schwartz ardently aims to disseminate within the local community.

By Avonlea Cummings

Hometown Weekly Reporter

Poetry, with its whimsical nature, has the power to guide readers through a poet's thoughts and emotions, conveyed in a captivating sequence of words. Often associated with literary giants like William Shakespeare and Robert Frost, poetry evokes memories of lengthy school lessons dedicated to stanzas, alliteration, and sonnets. However, it encompasses much more than mere word arrangement; it is infused with profound sentiment, stemming from a poet's genuine emotions, which in turn unburden their heart.

Poetry serves as a mental exercise in creativity, amplifying the depth of expression behind the intricate message it carries. Marcie Schwartz, at the Sherborn Town Library, conducted a three-week workshop in July for young students in grades 1 to 5. The workshop aimed to instill the fundamental aspects of poetry while highlighting how this art form can amplify the voices of young hearts. With a background in rehabilitation poetry, Schwartz believes that transcribing words onto paper aids in the healing process, offering solace to those grappling with wounds. Over the three-week period, Schwartz guided the participants, nurturing and honing their poetic abilities within the community room of the Dover Town Library.

In the culminating session of this workshop, Schwartz orchestrated a lesson centered around comparison poetry, interwoven with the vibrant world of colors. Encircling themselves, the children collaborated to craft a collective poem before venturing into crafting individual color comparison poems. Schwartz, a retired Westwood teacher, thrives on engaging with children's education. Her hands-on approach, she believes, is the most effective means to foster children's understanding of novel concepts. Following the composition of their splendidly colorful poems, the children eagerly assembled at the crafting table to construct their kaleidoscopes.

Schwartz mused, "I relish telling the children that their words are akin to their palette. A poet's palette consists of words, painting vivid pictures through their eloquence. By incorporating colorful imagery and comparisons, children find comprehension to be more accessible."

As summer gradually winds down and August approaches, seize the opportunity to explore the events hosted by the Dover Town Library. Engage in the array of enriching experiences they offer!

Dropping off When Someone Deeply Listens to you to one of its talented, young poets who contributed to making this book so special!

Thank You Angelina