Events

A veritable poetry open house, enthusiastically showcasing work at all levels of skill,

The UNSRC Society of Writers joined the 13th annual New York City Poetry Festival at Nolan Park/Governors Island on 13-14 July. The two-day festival held across a wide expanse of green and hosted by Poetry Society of America gathered creatives of all types sharing everything from first poetry collections to carefully crafted spoken word and some very popular merch (Panama hats were big!).

Joining dozens of other vendors, Society members Victoria Aguila, Anastasiia Konova and Bhikshuni Weisbrot, set up shop under a newly printed banner and pop-up tent to display our literary wares. With a theme of happiness, this included “Happiness The Delight-Tree, An Anthology of Contemporary International Poetry” (still selling strong at the UN Bookshop!) and related cards, bookmarks and totes. Anastasiia and Victoria’s hand-crafted “Poetree” drew poets of all ages, from children to local Laureates, eager to add their leaf-sized poems providing an opportunity for thought, conversation and perhaps new collaborations.   

Sharing 7 poem-leaves picked out from our “Poetree” and transcribed for you:

Poets gather in nature like leaves in a puddle in Central Park.

We let go but hold on to what permeates.

• Jewelz wit a Z

Pink is for flowers

Expectation deceives

Pink is for boys too

And sometimes for leaves.

• Sue

Gazing into your eyes

I see my universe before me

I now know my future

I remember my past

And I am at peace with the present.

• Charlie

When you’ve hit rock bottom

I implore you

Conjure your vision

Take that leap of faith and chase it

No matter your inhibitions

For if you don’t dream

How will they come true

And believe me, they really do.

• Samanvitha

Writing has saved my life so many times you don’t even know, I’m here to tell the story of how I went to light from my shadow.

• S

It started the day you called about your art. It probably started earlier and I didn’t notice the affect you had begun to nurture on my heart. So when you texted asking about wine, part of me hoped you were asking me, “be mine” …fine…pine, leaf of the divine.

• Clara

Thank you for allowing me to say, to feel, to be what I need to be.

A love letter to poetry.

• L.A.