The Zoom link will be provided prior to the event. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.
Thursday, 6 – 7 pm PT
Hosted by Norman Fischer
The San Francisco Zen Center invites you to an evocative evening, interweaving poetry and nature's embrace. Leaning Toward Light is not just a poetry anthology; it's a testament to the deep, unspoken bond we share with the natural world. This collection melds together the talents of luminous poets, each with a unique voice and perspective, offering solace and illumination, much like the nurturing act of gardening.
In a time where grocery aisles brim with choices, what do we, as seekers, find meaningful in the garden? This anthology prompts this introspection. Guided by the ever-insightful Norman Fischer, we delve deep into a space where poetry and nature intertwine. This event promises a contemplative voyage, where our esteemed poets will grace us with their own works and celebrate verses from fellow contributors, illuminating the parallels between the meditative acts of gardening and poetic creation.
See Centering Our Hearts for the Work of the Day: A Conversation with Tess Taylor, written by Genine Lentine, on the SFZC Sangha News blog.
Celebrated voices for the evening:
Jane Hirshfield: A master of nuance, Hirschfield’s verses navigate life’s intricacies, melding the profound with the everyday in poetic harmony.
Naomi Shihab Nye: Revered for her profound poems, Nye's words have always been a bridge between worlds, invoking a sense of wonder and connection.
Mark Doty: An acclaimed voice in contemporary poetry, Doty's work is a beautiful interplay of emotion and environment.
Danusha Laméris: Her poetry is characterized by its evocative imagery, emotional depth, and intimate explorations of everyday life and human connection.
Genine Lentine: Drawing deep from the well of observation and reflection, Lentine's verses are a homage to the intricacies of the natural and inner worlds.
Tess Taylor: The curator behind Leaning Toward Light, Taylor’s passion for gardening and poetry find a harmonious blend in this anthology.
Leaning Toward Light: Much like reading a good poem, caring for plants brings comfort, solace, and joy to many. In this new poetry anthology, Leaning Toward Light, available through the SFZC online bookstore, acclaimed poet and avid gardener Tess Taylor brings together a diverse range of contemporary voices to offer poems that celebrate that joyful connection to the natural world. Several of the most well-known contemporary writers, as well as some of poetry’s exciting rising stars, contribute to this collection.
Event is offered free of charge; register to receive the Zoom link. Please consider making a donation to support the San Francisco Zen Center and to continue to make events like this possible.
Or call 415-354-0360.
