Image of blue ruled note paper with the Poets House logo at the top. Text: Remote workshops, with a curly blue line at the bottom.
Image of blue ruled note paper with the Poets House logo at the top. Text: Remote workshops, with a curly blue line at the bottom.

Reading poetry

Exploring & examining poems to celebrate life.

Josephine Ishmon: A Celebration of Life

For one day only, on Saturday, October 28, join writer and educator Josephine Ishmon for A Celebration of Life, an online poetry reading workshop on poems about life and what it means to live. The session will include the reading of works by contemporary poets, including – but not limited to – Tina Chang, Lucille Clifton, Natalie Diaz, Yusef Komunyakaa, Mary Oliver, Nicole Sealey, Maggie Smith, Ocean Vuong and Derek Walcott. Poems will be read by the instructor, who will also share some voice recordings from the poets. Students are also welcome to volunteer to read. Discussions will centre on character, rhythm and technique as participants develop a deeper appreciation of poetry, build community and celebrate life.

About Josephine Ishmon

Josephine Ishmon is a writer and educator, with an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. She has led workshops in New York City Public Schools and NYS Women’s Correctional Facilities; and her work has been published in the Boston Review and received support from the Norman Mailer Writer’s Colony.

About Poets House

Established in 1986, Poets House is a New York City-based national library and literacy centre, inviting poets and the public into the world of poetry – a living and evolving literary tradition. Creating a welcoming space for poets and readers to explore, experiment and experience the joy of poetry, they believe that “poetry can promote a deeper conversation between individuals, communities and cultures”.

Poets House seeks to document the wealth and diversity of modern poetry, to stimulate dialogue on issues of poetry in culture, and to cultivate a wider audience for the art.

A woman with black hair and dark brown eyes, wearing a black top, gold necklace and earrings, gazes at us.

(Photo credits: Josephine Ishmon, Poets House)

 

Event details

Hosted by: Poets House

Type of event: poetry reading workshop

Educator: Josephine Ishmon

Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023

Start time: 12:00 PM ET

Duration: 3 hours (non-recurring event)

Number of sessions: 1

Cost: US$90.00 members, $105 non-members

Location: online via Zoom

Booking link: Book your tickets here. Space is limited – and a limited number of need-based scholarships are available; please email support@poetshouse.org with any questions.

Contact Details: Poets House, 10 River Terrace, New York, NY, United States, 10282; 212-431-7920, support@poetshouse.org, poetshouse.org

 

Refund policy: Please contact Poets House (see contact details above).