How does one convey the feeling of a place? Twice-recognized by the Delaware Press Association for her poetry, Morgan Golladay gathers images and thoughts into a story of living in an area where rivers and mountains converge into dreams and memories.
Destination by Morgan Golladay
Ten dedicated writer poets comprise the Old Scratch Short Form Collective, with the goal of working with the Devil’s Party Press, a small independent publisher, to bring to fruition the concept of publishing chapbooks of poetry and short form prose under the imprint Old Scratch Press.
This week we are introducing founding member Morgan Golladay
Morgan Golladay has been intrigued with words all her life. Her poetry reflects this, and she uses illusion and allusion in her writing. Much of her work focuses on her native Shenandoah Valley, as well as coastal Delaware.
Morgan says that poetry originated as an oral form, and she thinks it works best when it is heard. To that end it must be concise, simple, and tight. The poet bears the responsibility to speak old truths in new ways, to encourage the reader/listener to consider ideas from a different point of view. To do this the poet must be vulnerable, must allow their inner thoughts and fears and secrets to surface. This is particularly difficult in a society that doesn’t share its hurts, its fears, its pain. And that poetry, of love, loss, sadness, fear, and joy binds us together in our humanity and give us opportunities to grow.
Daylight in the Swamp by Morgan Golladay
Now a resident of central Delaware, Morgan ‘s latest work The Song of North Mountain is a love song to the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Growing up in a valley nestled between the Blue Ridge and North Mountain, Morgan Golladay was greeted daily by the aura of a quiet landscape blessed by sky and rolling hills. The images in this chapbook are, for the greater part, memories of a time where all that was important was sky, mist, land, and trees. Publication is tentatively scheduled for 2024.
Above the Gap by Morgan Golladay
Morgan past work and life experiences have provided her with a diverse perspective which she brings to her writing and her visual artwork. She has worked with non-profits as a volunteer and staff member, been a librarian, a blood donor recruiter, and a customer service and purchasing agent for a residential water-well wholesaler. Her watercolor and acrylic-collage paintings have won awards, and she is a member of the Mispillion Art League in Milford, DE, where she currently lives.
Her poetry and prose has been published in the Broadkill Review, Halloween Party ’21, and Instant Noodles. She is currently editing her first novel.
OLD SCRATCH PRESS 