DRY CRIK Journal

Nearly a week after the fact, I recognize a feeling akin to my first poetry gathering in Elko in 1989, a sense of connectedness with other creative people, all grounded to the land, to our Kaweah River watershed. Not unlike the security of my fellow cowboy poets and songwriters, it has been reassuring to be part of this local event, to be among such dynamic and diverse presenters: real hope for creative thinking and the future of our sustainable landscapes. On a personal level, I felt that part of our function was to encourage artistic expression locally, and I think we have. Subsequently, this KLAF event will grow in years to come.

I find the timing of this first festival serendipitous with our current hard economic times, times when people look to more lasting values in a rural area where the self-sufficient gene is still carried among many of us. I’m sure others across the West have noticed a similar shift in attitudes with more friendly and pleasant interactions – in tough times, a common bond and a wonderful place to express yourself from. I’ve been energized.

The event, however, has very little to do with me, except that I think this feeling was shared and conveyed to most all of those attending the various KLAF venues. The genie’s out of the jar Niki, Matt, John and SRT – and what better way to conserve the land than increasing people’s awareness of its functions and ever-changing beauty!