1154 - The Goose is Loose by Leisa Luis-Grill

My name is Leisa Luis-Grill. I am a painter and a registered nurse and my goose is named Bird As Bard as a tribute to William Shakespeare, who was known as the Bard of Avalon. As an avid reader and former theater major, libraries and classic literature have always been dear to my heart. I was delighted to hear that my particular goose would be installed outside the Rochester Library. I felt that was a perfect fit for me.

After many years as a painter who had also done a lot of scenic art, murals, and costumes, I had a lot of fun creating the bard. Having enjoyed seeing and acting in plays here in Rochester, I chose Shakespeare because he’s a particular favorite of mine. Theater has been a huge part of my life since I was in the fourth grade. Doing plays taught me so much about the world and how people function in it under different circumstances. I find that Shakespeare is still enduring and relevant on so many levels, despite the archaic style of language. These stories, sonnets, and plays always reveal themselves, when understood, to encompass the human experience in timeless ways. Centuries may move on, but so much of the human condition remains the same. Whether being spun as intriguing tales of kings and queens or lowly beggars and thieves, Shakespeare’s characters and stories have lasted through the ages because they speak to all of us. Love, hate, envy, anger, grief, triumph, tragedy, comedy, parenthood, war, deceit, hope, fear. The kaleidoscope of humanity at its best and at its worst. It is difficult to experience Shakespeare and not find something that resonates with you.

Though the goose itself is a version of Shakespeare himself and is wearing clothing from Shakespeare’s time, Shakespeare’s body of work is just that. His characters and quotes from some of his famous works are portrayed in various places on his goose body. Often they become well worn from being touched, which gives me hope that someone has stopped to view them closely and perhaps taken on a new interest in the Bard and his plays.

One unusual fact about this goose is that he used to reside outside the library. He and I had many wonderful conversations with passersby as he was being created. Some were young and sprightly, some older and slower of various cultures, and several had no home to call their own. They resembled the amazing people that populate Shakespeare’s plays. Every single person had a story to tell, and it was a rewarding experience to stand there and listen, as I was often outside with my paints for hours at a time. Repeat visitors to the library reinforced its importance to the community at large. That support was heartwarming.

I’ve been reminded, however, that Shakespeare often wrote of fools in his comedies and even contemporary life can imitate art. One night, at about 3:00 AM, one such fool lived up to Shakespearean tradition by getting as inebriated as Falstaff and punching the unsuspecting bard in his plumed hat. After much work to repair the damage, the goose became an indoor resident for his safety. I am confident that he is very happy near the stacks of books, much warmer during January in Minnesota and will survive, hopefully, much longer to inspire people to keep reading and support the library. I hope you will visit him often and experience the wide range of wonderful things your library has to offer. Even if Shakespeare isn’t your thing, you will surely find something that is.