Shelter in Poems: Poetry to Break the Isolation of Social Distancing

To celebrate National Poetry Month and the #shelterinpoems movement this April, Words Without Borders is leaning into poetry’s ability to fill the void of isolation. Idra Novey, Forrest Gander, Emily Wilson, Sholeh Wolpé, and Valzhyna Mort read you their own work or other favorites from the WWB archive in an effort to forge connection amid the solitude of social distancing. Check back each day throughout the week for an additional video reading from one of our distinguished guests.

1. Idra Novey reads “Rimbaud in America” by Alberto Martins

2. Forrest Gander reads “Rage” by Antonio Gamoneda

3. Emily Wilson reads “Tomboy” by Claudia Masin

4. Sholeh Wolpé reads “I Pity the Garden” by Forugh Farrokhzad

5. Valzhyna Mort reads “Belarusian I,” translated from Belarusian by Franz Wright

To celebrate National Poetry Month and the #shelterinpoems movement this April, Words Without Borders is leaning into poetry’s ability to fill the void of isolation. Idra Novey, Forrest Gander, Emily Wilson, Sholeh Wolpé, and Valzhyna Mort read you their own work or other favorites from the WWB archive in an effort to forge connection amid the solitude of social distancing. Check back each day throughout the week for an additional video reading from one of our distinguished guests.