Writing down Memory Lane: A Walking Poetry Workshop, with Aaron Rabionowitz

Join local poet, gardener, and hiker Aaron Rabinowitz on a generative poetry workshop that takes the words “Write on Bowen” literally. This unique, outdoor poetry workshop will combine Bowen’s beautiful setting with the written word to spark creativity. Many writers have noted how important walking was for their creative process. We will combine short contemplative tours exploring the near-by Memorial Gardens, responding to prompts, composing stanzas, and sharing work at each stop. Our goal is not only to produce a poem that combines a memory with a nature, but to use this experience as something we might duplicate in the near future on our own or with a partner to jumpstart our creative processes.

Writing down Memory Lane is for aspiring and experienced poets of all ages. In order to keep distractions to a minimum, please leave your computer and turn off your phone, relying on a simple notebook and pen. Please bring a water bottle and dress as if you’re going on a hike, as we’ll be outdoors, rain or shine.

About Aaron Rabinowitz

Aaron is the author of the poetry collection Suggestions (Gaspereau Press, 2026). He is the winner of PRISM international’s Creative Nonfiction Contest and the Meridian Short Prose Prize. His work appears journals such as Grain, Prairie Fire, The Southern Review, and The Malahat Review, and has been cited as a Best American Essays Notable. A couple of essays about his experiences on Bowen were published recently, including one in Prairie Fire and one in UBC’s PRISM international. His debut book of poetry comes out this August with Gaspereau Press—almost all of the poems were written on Bowen, and many were written outdoors or inspired by island life.

Aaron is a Bowen Nature Club board member and has led hiking tours through the ecological reserve and up Mt. Gardner. To learn more about Aaron, visit aaronrabinowitz.com or IG: @anotheraaronrabinowitz.