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.

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: 5 minutes of questions from the poet, 3 words, poem w/ envelope only.
$40 level – Couples Experience: 8 minutes of questions, 5 words, one custom poem w/ basic frame option.
$50 level – The Poetic Experience: 10+ minutes of questions, 5 words, one poem w/ any frame.
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Upgrade $100 level – Laser Engraved poem. Choose a level above and then pay the difference. Keep the original paper copy and get the laser engraved poem on wood shipped out that week.
Frames priced separately for first two levels, Laser engraved poems available (shipped out).
The Process:
Step 1)
PLEASE WAIT for the poet to be ready.
If busy, place order by venmo (*link below) and text 828.808.1139 "Poem for pickup (names)" and fill these in description line (you can also come back for in-person questions). Want old-fashioned paper with these prompts, or paying by cash? Ask for the paper sheet.
Name: Who will your poem be for? You, I hope.
Relationship: Just you? Engaged? Married? 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.
Smile, breathe deep, and pick *specific* words.
Make a list on your phone.
E.g. "The Magical Language of Birds"
"Apocalyptic Love Story, Grease, Fantasy Art"
“Magnetic Love,” rather than “Love”
“Curious,” rather than “Interesting”
“Backpacking,” rather than “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 venmo or if you just wanna wait, skip to Step 3.
For paper: Bring your paper slip to the poet.
You might be next, but not always. Sometimes there's a line. It's a good problem to have.
Rather come back? Use links below to pay, drop the slip with the poet, text your name and timeframe to 828.808.1139
Step 3)
He asks you the questions (5-10 minutes depending on the level), then you pay and text your name to 828.808.1139 (he will text and let you know when it's ready to be picked up.) Writing the poems take about 10-20 minutes each plus any other poems, so 20-40 minutes is typical. The only way to guarantee your spot in line is to pay and text!
Discounts for EMTs/teachers/students
*Cash is cool, Venmo is my fave.*
(Tap below, or scan QR codes on my poetry stand.
Please include your name and "poem" in the payment description)
Venmo: @GingerlyDesignsLLC
CashApp: $CaryGray
Zelle: 828.808.1139
PayPal: @CaryGray
*Square is accepted, but add $2 card fee.
*Each process takes 5-10 minutes, and each handcrafted poem get written in 10-15 minutes.*
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