Kundiman & Verlaine Reading Series
Photo by John Athayde
Evenings of poetry & libation
Readings begin at 5 pm
Open Bar from 4-5 pm
$5 donation
Verlaine
110 Rivington St.
(Ludlow & Essex Sts.)
212-614-2494
F train to Delancey or V train to 2nd Ave
All readings are on a Sunday
February 17
Jennifer Kwon Dobbs, Sueyeun Juliette Lee & Jee Leong Koh
April 6
Meena Alexander, Mytili Jagannathan & Brian Kim Stefans
May 18
Regie Cabico, Sandra Lim & Sudeep Sen
It is strange to say that I am almost wordless and yet overflowing with things to say. How is it that in one brief week I have fallen in love with this band of fellow poets? I think in these last few days we have found a home—a home we were all looking for. I know this to be true for me. And the writing—every workshop and every evening I was overwhelmed by beauty—overtaken by the tremendous talent that has been hidden from my view. I never knew Asian American poetry was so vibrant, so powerful, so incredibly and indelibly written on my soul and across this nation. I never knew how I fit in. What to say about faculty who sings and laughs with us at tables? What to say about staff and university support that bends over backward to ensure our welcome and comfort? What to say about close warmth I have felt everywhere and everyday? Is there any doubt in my mind that Asian American poetry is alive and well? None left—only certainty that these voices will be heard. That the bookshelves will sink into the ground for the weight of all these passions and stories. I am forever changed by this place and my friends, my family, my comrades in this journey that is also a home. Thank you. Thank you everyone.
—Neil Aitken