The Poets of Islam: A Pen & Paper Love-In

Register by clicking on the following link: http://www.sandiegowriters.org/2019-05-26-the-poets-of-islam-a-pen-paper-love-in-with-jim-moreno/ 

     In this class, for beginning to seasoned poets, can we as writers from different walks of life, different cultures, different religions, albeit all in love with language, embody in our writing, as William Stafford sought, "the unanalyzed impressions of holiness that the world thrusts at us.” The writing in this workshop will help participants counter the xenophobic, racist shallowness, perpetrated through the media, that neglects the basic human need for belonging that the people of our country, and all people desire. Racism is always about making profits for those of the tribe of hate & greed. It is good to counter and reverse this poison with art.

     I'm very disturbed about the violence against our brothers and sisters of Islam, innocents being slaughtered because of hate and ignorance proselytized by the leadership of our country.  That is not my America.  In this poetry workshop participants will delve into poets of Islam, starting with the Sufi mystic Rumi, who wrote extensively against religious persecution.

     We'll also review writing from Islamic poets who resonate with the themes of peace, love, tolerance, and respect for all people, all cultures. That is my America. I think there are more of you, more of my America, sitting in silence, that resonate with this consciousness that brought 900 years of peace to Spain when the Moors were the leaders.