How is it that good poetry opens imaginal spaces that are unavailable by other means? And why are these articulations necessary for the public at large, as well as for individuals? In this Tim Talk, poet, essayist, and librettist, David Mason, considers the universal human good of articulate expression—the usefulness of poetry in people’s lives—even when that expression is difficult. Why do we have poets laureate, for example, and how can such positions fulfil a public need? Using performances of poems by multiple authors, the talk also argues for the ubiquity of poetry in our lives, from Shakespeare to popular culture, and considers the counter example of the poet as rebel outsider.

David Mason’s poetry, prose, and translations have appeared in such publications as The New Yorker, Harper’s, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Times Literary Supplement, Best American Poetry as well as elsewhere. He has also written the libretti for composer Lori Laitman’s opera of The Scarlet Letter, which premiered at Opera Colorado in 2016, and her oratorio, Vedem, which premiered in Seattle in 2012.

Join David for this illuminating talk at Fullers Bookshop.

You can RSVP using the form below.

We recommend arriving early as seating is limited.