“After the reading group I feel more connected, alert and alive”

Freda B Fischer is new to shared reading, but in a few short weeks has experienced its powerful effects. Freda speaks of the experience of hearing beautiful texts read aloud as “allowing my heart to come out”. Freda admits that for her it is difficult sometimes to push herself to go out but she knows that her shared reading group will leave her feeling “more connected, alert and alive”. This has led to renewed confidence and inspiration and has empowered her to take up a pen and paper again. Something she says that she has not done since her school days. She has started writing “poems and short stories” and what’s more, she has found the courage to share these poems publicly, including with her reading group. “This is a big thing for me” she says. An even bigger thing is that she has allowed us to share a recent poem with you:

Memories by Freda B Fischer

Summer sunsets

Orange glow

Sweet breezes

Gentle blow

Slumber, hammocks

Rhythmic rock

Beach dreams

Timeless clock.

Blissful sound

Of waterfalls

Mountains echo

Bell-bird calls

Leaves flutter

Rustling whisper

Days stretching

Ever further.

In our office, We loved the peaceful mood evoked by the images and rhythm of this poem. We love the idea of days expanding into eternity and the natural world helping to create a sense of opening. Whatever it is about her reading group that is inspiring Freda, we look forward to more of this.