31 Comments
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Paula Cristobal's avatar

<3 thank you for this one!!!

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Bobbe Nunes's avatar

I have found a long drawn out winter, stalling the explosion of Spring, to offer a sweet respite from the demands of expansion and the raking away of the leaves of winter. I believe that Spring is best met with a new floating garment, whenever possible, promoting ascendance.

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Paul Bendern's avatar

The garden looks so beautiful, Jesse

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Hal Gill's avatar

Thank you so much for this, Jesse. Your work deserves amplification so I've done what I can from where I am with what I have. What more can we do?

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Brent Daniel Schei/Hagen's avatar

Mmm, lots of excellent poetry, Jesse. Thanks for sharing it. "Soul and soil are not seperate. Neither are wind and spirit, nor water and tears. We are eroding and evolving, at once, like the red rock landscapes before me. ..." I really like this excerpt from Terry Tempest Williams. (It happens to echo an aspect of my most recent writing on Substack ... as does much of the concern with how we are living in the world these days.)

Anyway, thanks as always to you, your fellow poets, and to everyone for gathering together a more positive energy in the world.

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Katya's avatar

So lovely to read poems and see photos from this sacred event!

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Thank you for sharing all of the people who came out to support this space, Jesse. I really take heart in seeing the poetry and environmentalism in the midst of NYC.

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Melanie Janisse Barlow's avatar

Oh my goodness Jesse! I had no idea that you did this event. I have a show here the day before, but I might try to come if I can get a cheap flight. How incredible!! Bless!

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Yvonne Brooks's avatar

We're so happy to imagine us all thinking about "resilience" for our first Poetry in the Garden at Elizabeth Street Garden on Sunday, June 8th, at 4 p.m. Anyone who wants to read should submit a poem or two to art@elizabethstreetgarden.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

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Nadia Bruce's avatar

I have 2 books of poetry and short stories, published by Punk Hostage Press, titled Scars and Driving In The Rain. I'd love to share then with you. They're available on Amazon or on my website, www dot nadiabrucerawlings dot com.

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Yoshi Watanabe's avatar

Hello. Thank you for sharing about the wonderful poetry gathering.

We often see how loud and forceful claims eventually fade away and are no longer heard. On the other hand, the words of those who speak softly tend to last longer and are more trustworthy. The concept of resilience is likely not a loud proclamation. I'm sending my support.

NYC is far, so I'd like to try to visit sometime in the winter.

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Barbara's avatar

Thank you so much for this post Jesse! It looks like you all had a beautiful time together in the gardden. Love the little video of you reading and the big photo of you all together. So much to dive into from all your friends still!

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Yvonne Brooks's avatar

Wow, extraordinary job, Jesse! So many beautiful words, images, and souls brought together to celebrate Earth Day in the Elizabeth Street Garden! Such a loving tribute!

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genie’s writing room 🥀's avatar

Hi!! I’m not from NYC, I’m doing a Summer semester over there, is there a way to pop in and participate on June 8th? The poetry shared here is lovely!

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Jesse Paris Smith's avatar

The June 8 event is open to all! Arrive early to give your name and get onto the roster of readers :)

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Lee Penman's avatar

I am so happy that the garden is still with us. I will definitely pay it a visit over the holiday.

I wrote a little poem for the garden last summer, I still live in hope that it will come true :)

The Garden

The Garden

Deep within a city scape,

Lies a magical garden,

A treasured secret amongst local folk,

And a home for all of nature’s wonder.

Bird song fills the air with the joy

of feathered friends.

Statues sit in wait,

Inscrutable,

Yet with the eyes of generations bearing witness,

To the sound of men threatening their existence,

Challenging their domain.

Sun beats down on blades of grass,

Invigorating trees and bushes,

Flowers pushing upwards to meet its glowing smile,

Nature readies itself for battle,

The threat of pain fails to break its resolve.

Man came with unveiled intent

An intent to wreak havoc in this peaceful domain.

Birds cried out en masse to prevent the destruction,

Their cries became song…and the song was that of victory.

For the men who sought to destroy

retreated defeated,

As the army of enlightened humans

proved too hard to defeat.

They would not stop,

Growing stronger by the hour,

More determined by the day.

The magical secret garden

was saved.

The demolition halted.

The birds sang loud,

A thunderous sound of joy

echoed from the garden,

All was well,

All were safe,

The statues winked…

Their cries became song…and the song was that of victory.

For the men who sought to destroy

retreated defeated,

As the army of enlightened humans

proved too hard to defeat.

They would not stop,

Growing stronger by the hour,

More determined by the day.

The magical secret garden

was saved.

The demolition halted.

The birds sang loudly,

A thunderous sound of joy

echoed from the garden,

All was well,

All were safe,

The statues winked…

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Jesse Paris Smith's avatar

Ohhhhhh you should come to the reading on June 8th and share it!!!!!

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Lee Penman's avatar

I'm not sure I am that talented a poet, but I will think about it:))

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Jesse Paris Smith's avatar

Ummm it’s too late to say that and hide behind that excuse because you’ve already shared your poem here !!!

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Lee Penman's avatar

You got me:)))

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Linda's avatar

Very beautiful. Thank you for being vulnerable and sensitive. I love the background music of the birds choir 🌷

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