There are plenty of people out there who would like to proclaim print as dead. But for everyone who declares this, there is another who steps up to remind us why the word is still worth exploring and this case, translating.
Ian Haight, a local author but also co-organizer and translator for the UN's global poetry readings held annually in Pusan, Korea, has reason for lovers of the word to be excited. On Tuesday night at the Wealthy Theatre, he will host a book release party for his latest work, Magnolia & Lotus: Selected Poems of Hyesim.
Haight was inspired by the Chin'gak Kuksa Hyesim poem "Magnolia, the Lotus of Trees" because of the image of perspective it represents. Hyesim was Korea's first Zen Master dedicated to poetry. He not only searched within the spiritual, but also in the ordinary. This honesty holds up over the ages, reading with a surprising freshness in this new translation.
"The poems in this book are built around an imagined life of Hyesim and his purpose for writing poems. What did Hyesim experience in meditation? How did his wisdom grow with progressive enlightenment? What did he place importance on in life," says Haight. "My hope is that this collection -- utilizing metaphor, rhythmic language, and imagery -- invites a reader into relaxed companionship with Hyesim and his life."
In addition to having an opportunity to meet the author and a chance to hear more about this new cross-cultural literary work, the reception will include a selection of Korean cuisine to sample.
Admission: Free
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