Marcella Durand, one of our favorite poets, will lead this intimate, virtual group read-through of John Ashbery’s poem “Unusual Precautions” (from Shadow Train). Neither teaching nor explaining, Marcella will serve as your expert tour-guide to explore this poem as a group. Whether you are already well-versed in the close reading of poems, or have never been quite sure you’ve been “getting it,” this “close reading in a virtual space” will provide a digital gathering for everyone to take a refreshing deep dive into this single poem.

The event will last about an hour, and will conclude with a brief reading of poetry by our special guest poet.

This is a challenging time for all of us, but poetry offers us a fortifying focus. Talking through a poem together with a group of fellow readers just might provide a bit of the balm we all need.

NOTE: After registering you will be provided with a link to be able to access the Zoom conference. A link to the poem can be found on the PROJECTS & EVENTS: PUBLIC PROGRAMS page at http://www.flowchartfoundation.org.

Marcella Durand‘s most recent books include The Prospect from Delete Press (2020) and her translation of Michèle Métail’s book-length poem, Earth’s Horizons (Black Square Editions, 2020). Other publications include Rays of the Shadow (Tent Editions, 2017); Le Jardin de M. (The Garden of M.), with French translations by Olivier Brossard (joca seria, 2016); Deep Eco Pré, a collaboration with Tina Darragh, (Little Red Leaves); AREA (Belladonna); and Traffic & Weather (Futurepoem), written during a residency at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. She is currently working on a new book-length poem, forthcoming from Black Square Editions.