About the Retreat

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The Living Poem is an intimate retreat for writers seeking deeper connection with their creative process, the natural world, and one another. Together in community, we will step outside the constant noise and onslaught of modern life to explore what it means to live as a writer by making space for observation, contemplation, embodiment, and authentic expression within the context of a healthier relationship with the natural world.

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This retreat invites writers into a quiet, nourishing space of discovery, creative renewal, and meaningful connection. By engaging in conversation, personal writing time, and time in nature, participants will explore the evolution of voice, the poetry of place, and the process of translating lived experience onto the page. We will turn the craft of writing towards unlocking the places where our creativity is blocked, and exploring our relationship to the world around us. Nestled along the watershed of the South Crestone Creek, the Colorado College Campus provides a beautiful place for us to tune our poetic attention to the world that nourishes us.

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Colorado Poet Laureate Crisosto Apache will facilitate the retreat conversation, guiding those of us familiar with the writing process to deepen that practice with ample time for personal writing, reflection, and opportunities to share the results of that with the community created during the retreat.

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The daily schedule will be shaped around the co-created needs of the participants.

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The retreat flows directly into the Crestone Poetry Festival, August 21–23.

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Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, August 19 — Arrive by noon. Retreat begins.

Thursday, August 20 — Full retreat day.

Friday, August 21 — Retreat transitions into festival with Playground Poetry Performance by Art Goodtimes, open to all participants.

Poemfest Welcome Dinner at Sage's Hearth Restaurant follows.

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Accommodations

Retreat participants are housed on the Colorado College Baca Campus for the full event — retreat and festival. Each participant receives a private single room with a writing desk and shared bathroom. Couples may request a double room. Private indoor and outdoor writing spaces are available throughout.

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Meals

Three full kitchens and shared dining spaces are available to participants at any time — we are the only group in the space. Plan to bring food for your own meals. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings we gather for communal potluck dinners; bring a dish to share. If you have dietary restrictions, bring your own meal to the dinners. Two small grocery stores in Crestone are open daily 8am–7pm.

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Pricing & Registration

Retreat fee: $450 — includes accommodations and a Festival Pass for August 21–23. ​

Limited scholarships are available. Contact poets@poemfest.com to inquire.

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Space is limited.