Murphy poet Mary Ricketson reads from her new book, “Tara: The Healing Power of Nature,” on Thursday, November 12, at 5:30 p.m. The reading is free and open to the public.

“Tara” is a story told in poems. A young girl carrying years of struggle and abuse finds relief in chores at home and long walks in the woods. Along a creek she meets a woodland fairy and learns how the natural world can help her heal. The book is published by Seed Bed Press.

“The weave of details will keep you reading and call you back to read again.” (Scott Owens, Poet Laureate of Hickory, NC)

“This is a book for those who have endured alone, unspeaking and unseen, with neither their wounds nor their strength ever fully recognized, who are making their own way toward healing on their own terms.” (Catherine Carter, author of By Stone and Needle)

Mary Ricketson lives in Murphy, where she grows food and flowers and spent a long career as a mental health counselor. She is a mother, grandmother, and poet with nine published collections, including Lira, Precious the Mule, Stutters, and Tall Flowers and Living Long. Her poetry has won awards and has been set to music by a London-based composer.

After the reading, Mary will take questions and talk about the book. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Copies of Tara will be for sale, and she will sign them.

Event details
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cherokee County Arts Council, 33 Valley River Avenue, Murphy, NC 28906
Admission: Free and open to the public
Presented by: Cherokee County Arts Council
Contact: Rachel Watson, director@cherokeeartscouncil.org, (828) 233-5624

This program is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.