S166. Heretic Poets Rewriting Sacred Texts

Room 214C, Henry B. González Convention Center, Meeting Room Level
Saturday, March 7, 2020
10:35 am to 11:50 am

 

How do we reimagine our sacred texts in ways that free them (and us) from colonization and oppression? A panel of poets engaged with their own faith traditions discusses the challenges and excitement of retelling inherited sacred narratives, especially for those of us in queer, femme, or nonbinary bodies, and indigenous or previously colonized communities. We'll share approaches for rehearing and rewriting traditional sacred stories, and offer strategies for others to do the same.


Outline & Supplemental Documents

Event Outline: AWP_Heretic_Poets_Final_Outline.pdf

Participants

Moderator:

Elizabeth Harlan-Ferlo is the curator of Interfaith Muse, a project that explores spiritual questions through civic dialogue and creative arts. Her poetry has been published in Poet Lore, Anglican Theological Review, Tupelo Quarterly, and other journals. She holds an MFA from University of Oregon.

Rajiv Mohabir translator of I Even Regret Night (PEN/Heim Award), author of The Cowherd's Son  and The Taxidermist's Cut is an assistant professor of poetry at Auburn University's creative writing program.

Melissa Bennett (Umatilla/Nimiipuu/Sac & Fox) is a poet and storyteller interested in story as medicine, especially its ability to heal historical trauma among indigenous communities. Twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Melissa's work focuses on culture, tradition, social justice, and spirituality.

#AWP24

February 7–10, 2024
Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City Convention Center