A Storyteller’s Quiet Place

Poets Gather To Honor Seniors On Grandparents Day Weekend

By B. Thayer

Upper Marlboro, Md. - Sunday, September 7, was pure bliss at The Sky Bridge at Town Center. From 4 to 5 p.m., residents and their families came together to celebrate Grandparents Day with an afternoon full of poetry, laughter, dance, and just the kind of warmth that makes a community feel like home.

The event brought together residents of all ages to share their stories and passions through verse. Resident Patricia Smith, the heart behind these monthly readings, opened the afternoon with The Amazing Gift of Grace, a poem inspired by God’s grace that left the room feeling inspired and reflective. Then came Joan Oxedine, who had everyone laughing with her comedic piece My Cigarette, My Friend - a hilarious take on turning a cigarette into a companion. She also shared Gardening God’s Way, which mixed faith and everyday life in such a charming way.

Carolyne McQuillan added a comedic break that had the room chuckling, while the visual highlight came from Patricia Smith's niece, Amanda Caulde, dancing to accompany her relative’s poem. Watching her movement bring the words to life was a perfect reminder of how family and community go hand in hand.

Other residents shared their voices too. Walter Ware offered heartfelt reflections through poetry, and “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford, a Poet Laureate with 22 years of experience and active presence for Prince George's Arts and Humanities, added spiritual depth and encouragement to the readings.

Grandparents and family members were visibly touched. Michael King, who has been attending these readings since they started, shared, “This event encouraged me seven years ago after my stroke. God used it to lift me up, and I’ve been coming ever since.” Helen Greene and Thomas Byrd, grandparents in the audience, echoed that sentiment, saying how heartwarming it was to see families connect through words and performance.

The afternoon wrapped up on a high note, with poetry, dance, laughter, and stories all blending together. It wasn’t just a celebration of Grandparents Day - it was a pleasant reminder of the joy of community, the beauty of creativity, and the love that runs through The Sky Bridge family.