Appreciating the power of pause | The Green Poets of Venice

Greg Bell is the leader of the Green Poets of Venice, although he says he is more of a facilitator.

The poets gather for another meeting at the Beyond Baroque art center in Venice. It is an eclectic group of Westsiders, ranging in age from their 30s to their 90s, who read poetry, play violins and enjoy the creative camaraderie.

A pair of reading glasses frame a poem during one of the readings at the meeting of the Green Poets of Venice.

Claire Acerno and Steve Goldman laugh during the meeting of the Green Poets of Venice.

Gary Spain plays his violin prior to the meeting of the Green Poets of Venice.

From left, Chris Northrup, Selma Benjamin, Esther Morrison, Laurel Gord and Nelly Williams listen to one of the readings during the meeting of the Green Poets of Venice.

Genie Nakano and Gary Spain listen to one of the readings during the meeting of the Green Poets of Venice.

Esther Morrison, 94, listens to an emotional poem during the meeting.