CAMDEN — The Poets Corner, a virtual sanctuary for poetry enthusiasts, hosted a transformative event on December 3, entitled “Reading Rilke Today: A Conversation.” It was the third annual Rilke event featuring Camden resident Mark S. Burrows, who is an esteemed Rilke scholar and award-winning translator. Mark hosted a dialogue with distinguished poets Pádraig Ó Tuama, host of the popular podcast “Poetry Unbound”, and Marie Howe, a former Poet Laureate of NYC.

In the midst of tumultuous times marked by global conflicts and the recent tragic murders in Lewiston, Maine, the event provided a solace-seeking audience with a meaningful and inspirational experience. Attendees were treated to a captivating exploration of Rilke’s timeless poetry and its relevance in navigating the challenges of our contemporary world.

Mark S. Burrows, celebrated for his profound insights into Rilke’s work, led the discussion by delving into select Rilke poems and letters. The event allowed Pádraig Ó Tuama and Marie Howe to share their personal reflections on the significance of Rilke’s verses, providing unique perspectives that resonated deeply with a diverse audience from all over the globe.

The event attracted an overwhelming response, with over 2,000 individuals registering to attend the virtual gathering on The Poets Corner Zoom platform. The success of “Reading Rilke Today” speaks to the enduring power of poetry to connect and inspire. Comments proliferated in the chat such as these: “Thanks to all of you for this afternoon. I am so inspired to read, read, read Rilke. You really gave us doorways in.” “My heart is full – thank you.” “ What a fabulous way to spend a December Sunday – thank you!” “Wonderful nourishment in difficult times. Thank you.”

For those who missed the live event or wish to revisit its enriching discussions, the recording is now available for free on The Poets Corner’s official website: www.thepoetscorner.org. This accessibility ensures that the event’s impact extends far beyond its initial broadcast.

Mark S. Burrows, in response to the overwhelming interest, will be offering an in-depth Craft Talk entitled “HeartWork” on The Poets Corner on February 15, 2024. This exclusive session promises an immersive exploration of Rilke’s poetry and his insistence that we are to “live the questions” in our lives before we can hope to discover any “answers.” The hour and a half session will delve deeply into several of Rilke’s poems and seek to guide us into our own “heart-work” for greater resilience and authenticity. Registration for “HeartWork” is now open at www.thepoetscorner.org/craft-talks.

The Poets Corner continues to be a beacon for poetry enthusiasts worldwide, fostering a community that celebrates the transformative power of words. For further information or media inquiries, please contact Meg Weston, founder & director at thepoetscornermaine@gmail.com.

About The Poets Corner:

The Poets Corner is a virtual platform dedicated to creating community for writers and readers of poetry and short prose. Co-Founded by Meg Weston of Camden, Maine, former president of Maine Media Workshops + College, and Kathrin Seitz, writing coach, in June of 2020, today it has over 4,500 members from around the world. The Poets Corner hosts virtual readings, discussions, craft talks, competitions, and more offerings that connects poetry lovers, writers, and scholars, and creates a vibrant space for the appreciation and creation of poetic expression. Visit www.thepoetscorner.org for more information.