Poet as Witness: In Isolation, Language Dies on the Tongue
“Featuring Heid E. Erdrich, Kwame Dawes, Jimin Seo, Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, and Camonghne Felix.”
In Isolation, Language Dies on the Tongue gathers poets Kwame Dawes, Heid E. Erdrich, Camonghne Felix, Uche Nduka, Naomi Shihab Nye, José Olivarez, Jimin Seo, Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, and Anselm Berrigan, inviting them to read and reflect on the work of poets who wrote during times of oppression. The quote featured in the
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title was borrowed from I.S. Jones s poem Juice or Milk, found in her debut collection Bloodmercy. The People’s Poetry Gathering is co-presented by City Lore, Bowery Poetry, and Poets House. Founded as a biennial event in 1999 by City Lore and Poets House, with Bowery Poetry joining soon after, The People’s Poetry Gathering assembles poets from New York City and beyond to pursue discourse, exchange, and cultural preservation through poetry. In 2026, the Gathering returns to Lower Manhattan for the first time in twenty years. Find other People s Poetry Gathering programs at Poets House HERE Find a comprehensive list of all People’s Poetry Gathering programs HERE The suggested donation for this event is $10. All donations benefit Poets House. You will be able to choose your contribution amount when you RSVP online or at the door. All are welcome; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. By attending or participating in this program, you agree to abide by our Community Agreement. Events at Poets House are popular, and seating is first-come, first-served.