Polywood Collective Poems
Polywood attendees are invited to contribute to a collective poem throughout the weekend. Each line was written by someone different, with only the previous line in view. The resulting poem is shared with everyone at the end of the weekend.
Polywood 2024 Collective Poem
Bottoms Up (because this was written and read bottom to top)
Polywood Camping weekend
Polywood weekend is a collaborative community
We create connection like a bird bringing seeds home to the nest
At Polywood we can be ourselves, finally at rest
Seeing ourselves in others and others within ourselves
Designing dynamics
Transforming love
Multiplying connection
Growing community and families
Polywood weekend is the most incredibly connective, authentic and loving experience
Being here is about being seen and known for who we are, boldly naked of defence
When at Polywood I realize I am not alone in questioning myself
The imprint of above and kindness is immense
And kindness is found when making fires,
And burning fires create sparks of love
That turn into butterflies and fly away
But the butterflies remain, living in my tummy
I wish instead to sink my teeth into something yummy
This is Polywood,
A weekend of seeing kindred hearts through different eyes.
Polywood 2025 Collective Poem
Let's question mononormativity!
We have no time for graph theory,
But plenty of time for group therapy.
And we'll heal all our triggers and live happily amongst the rainbows forever?
Is a glorious aspiration and embracing of the constellation of colourful ways we can all love and be.
But the colour includes shades that are darker than my soul wants to face, forcing me to reach deeper inside my discomfort.
Facing discomfort requires resources
Compassion and community are powerful, positive forces
When I am at Polywood,
I am wonderfully free.
I feel fully understood,
No more constrained by society.
I can make new connections, who really see me
And nurture old friendships, where I really feel free.
I can be with my community, treasured people one and all.
Polywood 2026 Collective Poem
What does Polywood mean to you, This thing that started in 2015,
Built and grown by community, What does Polywood mean to you?
This labour of love for everybody, Where all are accepted and seen?
What does Polywood mean to you, This thing that started in 2015?
A family I found, and love in abundance,
A weekend to relax, and a comforting cadence.
With the night a gentle breeze,
New connections come with ease.
Formidable community,
A strong chain forged from soft links,
Creates a wonderful opportunity,
To explore the vast world of kinks,
With consent and safety as top priority, Y
ou can be yourself authentically,
And nobody judges or blinks.
Through wonder and trauma,
Alone and in community,
Growing to be: Y
ou and me, they, zhe, he, we.
So many to talk to,
So many to see,
People listening and talking to me,
I’m becoming who I want to be
Nothing to be judged,
My people are here.
Tell me what life has brought you,
No place I’d rather be,
Let’s get to where we’re stronger,
Together to where we’re free.
Free to be our own shape and size
These instructions are very helpful:
Embrace the freedom to be ourselves,
And the joy of letting our partners be too,
True freedom, but intimacy entwined,
The soul and the body profoundly,
Depth to conversations and relationships.
I have felt more comfortable than I imagined and,
I am very happy to be a part of this amazing,
Community to share, express, and just have good fun.
When I came here today, I was reminded of the beauty,
Of authentic connection and how much we all,
Can make a difference in each other’s lives,
In big and small ways.
Space, time, sprinkles, expand, explore,
Sun rays, new connections, love galore.
Expansive playground of human possibility,
Reality changed through safe enough exploration.
Co-travellers being the radical change makers,
Ever-lasting impact.