
I ask. You Share. I write.
Live Poetry in downtown Asheville, NC
and for weddings and events.
An experience which begins with questions and ends with a memento you keep forever.
Fully custom poems for individuals, couples, groups, and families.

Word Map Coming Soon!
How does it work?
I ask you deep questions, you provide words, I type a custom-crafted poem on a vintage typewriter and you keep it forever. Read below to find out how...




Photos: Top Right: Roots of the Rose Bottom Left: @jordancarrissan
Poem Examples on @Creating.Cary - Instagram
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Pricing for Custom Poems:
all levels include a finished, signed and stamped poem with an envelope (or frame).
$30 level – Intro Experience: Get asked 3 Deep Questions, you offer me 3 descriptive words – poem w/ envelope only.
$40 level – Deeper Experience (Great for couples): 4+ Deep Questions, you offer 4+ words – one custom poem w/ sturdy magnetic sleeve.
$50 level – The Poetic Experience: 7-10 minutes of Deep Questions and conversation, 5-10 words – one poem w/ any frame and discount on laser poem.
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Pick up times vary from 20 minutes to 1-2 hours. Rather have me spend more time on it? Text that you are OK receiving it in the mail instead!
Towards the end of the day, it is possible that the last few poems will need to either be picked up the following day OR mailed out to you!
Love the poem?? Upgrade to the $125 level – Laser Engraved poem! Simply pay the difference between what you already paid. Keep the original paper copy today and get the laser engraved poem on wood shipped out that week.
The Process:
Step 1) Choose a Level and Some Theme Words
PLEASE WAIT for the poet to be ready.
Think of theme words.
If the poet is busy, you can place a to-go order remotely by texting 828.367.7005 and typing "To-go Poem" + your name(s) and your theme words and description (*see below.) Please put your name(s) in the the Venmo or CashApp, also. If paying by cash, add that in text.
Make it an Adventure: Ask or look for a paper sheet with prompts on it and fill it out. Or, make a list on your phone. Do a lap around town with your friend or sweetie, adding theme words.
Name: Who will your poem be for? You, your girlfriend or boyfriend or friend friend?
Relationship to the Recipient: Just for you? Your fiancé? Your wife? Are you friends? (Groups of 3 or more, scroll down.)
Words:
For the $30 level – Think of 3 theme words. Word Pairs like "night owl" are OK. Include a 1-2 sentence description, too.
For the $40 level gets 4 words/phrases. Include a 2-3 sentence description, too.
For the $50 level gets 5+ words/phrases or short sentences. Include a 3-4 sentence description, too.
Please pick *specific* words.
Make a list on your phone.
E.g. "The Magical Language of Birds"
"Apocalyptic Love Story, Grease, Fantasy Art"
“Magnetic Love,” NOT just “Love”
“Curious,” rather than “Interesting”
“Backpacking,” rather than just “Adventure”
Helpful Prompts:
Your favorite thing to make? Your biggest fear? Your hopes/visions for your future?
For couples: length of relationship, love languages, the first spark, or what gets you through your hard moments?
Step 2) (For To-Go Poems Only.) Text your answers or turn in the sheet.
For In-Person, Skip to Step 3.
Drop the slip with the poet, text your name and timeframe to 828.367.7005
Step 3) The In-Person Poetic Experience.
He asks you the questions (3-10 minutes depending on the level), then text 828.367.7005 to get payment link or follow links below.
Writing the poems takes about 15-30 minutes each, plus other customers' poems, so 20-60 minutes is typical.
The only way to guarantee your spot in line is to pay and text!
$5 Discount for EMTs/teachers/students
Please include your name and "poem" in the text AND the payment description.
Venmo: @GingerlyDesignsLLC
CashApp: $CaryGray
Zelle: 828.808.1139. *a different number than the one you text!
PayPal: @CaryGray
To pay with credit card (add $2), go here and check out.
Stick around and watch (from afar, please)
or come back within the hour.
I read each poem aloud to you.
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For Groups of 3 and Up (8 max.)
The Group gets ONE poem.
Base price: $30 for group of 3, or $8 per person
$8 per person when everyone chips in ($32 for 4 people, $40 for 5, etc)
$7 per student/teacher/EMT
Use the above instructions, but assign 2 words for each person. Perhaps one word about his/her personality, and one more random word associated with them.
ex: Cara is Creative and Bold, Eric is Determined and Caring
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Getting Married?
Hire a Live Poet.
Get your poem today for free (discounted off booking price.)
Follow this link to my wedding and event inquiry page
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Other Offerings:
Mindset Coaching
15 minute conversation followed by a transformative poem.
Base price: $60
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Extras:
(these are surcharges beyond $30 base rate)
Creatively inexact typed copy +$20
Typed extra copy, mailed out +$25
Spiritual Coaching Session +$30 per ten minutes
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Students, teachers, and kids under 12 are $20-25 (specify which in your order)
For FREE STICKERS or $2 off any frame, simply add your email! Just hit the "My Newsletter" tab above, or go here.
Add any of my art prints to your poem order at 20% off and have it shipped to your home! Spend $95 or more and get your poem for free!
Go here