At the close of today’s Fringe Open Space on Open Space in Melbourne – a prelude to the World Open Space on Open Space in Berlin, Germany –  Chris Corrigan offered this poem composed of all the offerings from the closing circle.

It’s also a tribute to our friend Brian Bainbridge.



It’s a gift to be lifted by friends that nourish –
my learning flourishes through tweets and sweets
and my moving feets – pick up seeds, move along –
appear and be gone.
Meeting here under the steeple with these
Aussie open space people, physical and virtual
loves to a world of practice, heralding
connection from here to Berlin,
A sterling group of boundary riders.
My wants and needs are satisfied, currency
sliding feeding affirmed.
A firm connection, inspired and tired
I’ve become a yellow bowl of mints
More sweetness stole on since meeting you all.
I feel gratitude, full, but clear of platitudes,
learned some new things, put down a few things, getting clear.
Noticing Brian isn’t here – but he was never here,
but always near. Somehow holding space so we can
hear each other speak –
witness the creack of my view stretching, hearing you
fetching treasures for the journey
learning while relaxing, without being taxing.
This a place where I can listen to people talk
Without wanting to choke them – no joke!
We disrupt without interrupting, feeling hungry and hyper.
Aware of erupting connection and coincidence
Came to be challenged, little coincidences
That conspire to bless us address our heart’s
all to be together.
I’ve made some good choices that have led me
to the crowd of voices.
I’m sad to be going home – aware of what’s missing
But not feeling dissed by those who never showed
for they allowed conversation to flow,
for us to put to paper what we know.
It’s funny to imagine what isn’t here,
But what’s deeply understood on the little phrase –
It’s all good.