On Saturday, September 21, 2024, poetry enthusiasts and animal lovers alike will gather at the Church of Harmony for a special event with acclaimed Santa Fe poet Wayne Lee. The event, titled “Writing the Animal Within,” marks the launch of Lee’s latest book, Buddha’s Cat, and features a poetry reading, open mic session, and a unique workshop designed to awaken the animal within us all.
The afternoon kicks off at 1 p.m. with a reading from Buddha’s Cat, where Lee will share selections from his latest work, which delves into the profound connections between humans and the animal kingdom. Following the reading, attendees are invited to take the stage during an open mic session from 2 to 2:30 p.m., offering a chance to share their own animal-inspired poetry.
The highlight of the event is the workshop, scheduled from 2:30 to 4 p.m., where participants will explore the deep-seated animal instincts that lie within each of us. Drawing on the fascinating fact that humans share 98 percent of our genome with chimpanzees, 90 percent with cats, and 84 percent with dogs, this 90-minute session will guide participants through meditations and poetic exercises to help them channel their inner animal. The workshop fee is $25, and light refreshments will be served.
Wayne Lee, a seasoned poet and teacher, has made significant contributions to the literary world with works published in prestigious journals such as Tupelo Press, Slipstream, and The New Guard. His accolades include the 2012 Fischer Prize, nominations for the Pushcart Prize, and four Best of the Net Awards. His poetry collection, The Underside of Light, was a finalist for the 2014 New Mexico/Arizona Book Award. Lee’s upcoming memoir, Service Husband: A Caregiver’s Journey Through Disability, Suicide, and Recovery, is set for release in January 2025, followed by his poetry collection Dining on Salt: Four Seasons of Septets in April 2025.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with one of New Mexico’s most respected poets. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply curious about the interplay between humanity and the animal world, “Writing the Animal Within” promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking experience. Join us at the Church of Harmony and let Wayne Lee help you unleash the wild within.
