Michael Garrigan’s life is a tapestry of phrases, water, and wild locations. From the tranquil banks of the Susquehanna River to the rugged mountains of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, his experiences move by way of his prose and poetry. Michael’s enlightened prose graces the pages of Orion Journal, The Flyfish Journal, Grey’s Sporting Journal, and The Drake, and his two poetry collections–River, Amen and Robbing the Pillars–share immersive insights into his deep reference to the pure world.
Reflecting on his time as an Artist in Residence within the Bob Marshall Wilderness in 2021, Michael stated, “I’m full. I’m content material. I’m blessed and so extremely grateful for this expertise. I fished, I wrote, I explored, I sunk in, I climbed mountains, I opened myself as much as this wild place and let it form me. I hope I can provide again to it. I hope I can honor it.”
And honor it he has. River, Amen–impressed by his time within the space–obtained the celebrated Weatherford Award for poetry.
Michael’s path to educating was considerably unconventional. “My mom at all times instructed me I must be a trainer, however I ignored her,” he recalled. After spending three years residing out of a backpack whereas doing path work, he found his expertise for educating youngsters methods to reside within the wilderness. Quickly after, he went again to school, earned a educating diploma, and has been sharing his love of writing and literature along with his college students ever since.
“Imitation is the best type of flattery,” Michael stated when describing Gary Snyder, Jim Harrison, David James Duncan, Brian Doyle, and Chris Dombrowski among the many writers who’ve influenced his voice probably the most. Past poets and writers, Michael additionally attracts inspiration from musicians. “Music is at all times a big a part of my inventive course of,” he says. “Charlie Parr has been one of many largest influences up to now couple of years. His albums are like novels.”
Within the fifth episode of the Studying the Water podcast, “5 Kilos of Bitter Patch Youngsters,” Michael joins host Tim Schulz to share insights about his life, together with his introduction to fly fishing, his beginnings as a poet, author, and trainer, and his time within the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He additionally reads his poem, “Liturgy of Carp Changing into a God,” and discusses his favourite flies, favourite highway sweet, and favourite waters to fish.
“I’m a sucker for little brook trout streams,” Michael admits with no apologies.
Aren’t all of us?
You’ll be able to take heed to your complete dialogue with Michael Garrigan in Episode 5 of the Studying the Water podcast, accessible by way of Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pocket Casts.
