Garden of Verses 2021: A Virtual Benefit for The Merwin Conservancy

Gather virtually with friends around the world to celebrate the poetry of W.S. Merwin on the occasion of his birthday, and share the vision for stewarding his legacy.

Puanani Burgess, Forrest Gander, Jorie Graham, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Paul Holdengräber, Ada Limón, Christopher Merrill, Kevin Young, and Matthew Zapruder will read selections of William’s poetry along with several other special guests yet to be announced.

You’ll get glimpses of the newly restored house and garden dojo and the palms that envelop them, all set to music recorded by award-winning composer, singer-songwriter and slack-key guitarist Makana.

The Merwins’ house, the garden dojo, the garden itself were made of concerns enacted as ways of being and living. We hope you will join us for an hour celebrating The Merwin Conservancy’s work to restore and share these special places.