Strange times.

Many of us are in places with lockdown restrictions. We cannot go visit friends and family.

Events are cancelled as well.

As typewriter poets, Joseph Jablonski, Mark Petersen, and I love the atmosphere at big gathering where we can interact with people and create poems for them. Distilleries, wineries, parties, weddings…it’s always been a wonderful experience.

That’s on hold now, but we still want to offer connections and hope.

Head to the Typewriter Poets website, where you can order a commissioned poem for yourself or for a loved one in isolation. Choose a topic, meet your poet via video chat or phone call, and get two copies of the poem mailed to you. 50% of the proceeds of any poem ordered through the end of May will be donated to first responders and charities serving those affected by COVID-19 in the Maryland & Virginia region.

Saint Michael’s, a small historic town in Eastern Maryland, known for its waterfront views, small shops, and inns, is also becoming known as the hometown of Lyon Distilling, a small batch micro distillery famous for its rum and rum cocktails.

Some months ago, I met the owner, Jaime Windon, and was invited to bring my typewriter poetry to their tasting room. So I did, on a cloudy September Saturday.

The tasting room is a wonderful space, and the staff are some of the friendliest people I’ve met this year - there’s a sense of familiarity almost immediately. If you’ve got your guard up, you’ll find it falling away. The family atmosphere and camaraderie was palpable and I loved the chance to hear stories of the distillery and of Saint Michaels from Jessi, Avery, Meghan (of Gray Wolf Craft Distilling), and other members of the staff.

There was a steady stream of interested visitors throughout the day - folks celebrating their anniversary, a bachelorette party, and a number of guests from a number of weddings.

I enjoyed interacting with a lot of newlyweds and newly-engaged couples and getting the chance to write poems honoring their stories. On the lighter side, one regular asked for a humorous poem about William Shatner, while Jay of Eastern Shore Brewing asked for a poem to include the words “unicorns, pixie dust, and bags of glass.” On the poignant side, a gentleman asked for a poem about missed opportunities, and asked me to include the phrase “the leap not taken.”

Overall it was a fantastic day. This being my first trip to Saint Michaels, I was immediately taken by the town and fully intend to go back to spend time truly exploring - there are little coffee shops, a historic car museum, antique stores, woodworkers, and all sorts of things to see.

Not only that, but it’s the sort of place where, after a visit, you’ll leave surprised at just how many people will easily call you friend.