You're invited! to a celebration of Persian poetry on Sunday, June 21, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to sunset.[1] -- Thanks to the good graces of Burk Ketcham, this UFPPC-sponsored event will be held once again in a spectacular enclosed North Tacoma rose garden overlooking Commencement Bay and the elegant turrets of Stadium High. -- It will feature authentic Iranian shish kebab, genuine Persian pastries, wine, music, readings of poetry both in the original Persian (Farsi) and in translation, a display of some recent publications anent Persian poetry, and images and stories of Iran (including from Dave Dittemore, who visited Iran last month with an FOR delegation), as well as conviviality and conversation. -- It's an event not to be missed, so mark your calendar! -- There is no charge for attending this event; an opportunity to make a donation to United for Peace of Pierce County will be provided. -- NOTE: If possible, please bring a chair or two or three or four or a blanket to sit on; a sun hat may also be advisable. -- More information below....
1.
WHAT: “Wake!”: A garden solstice celebration of Persian poetry
WHO: Firdausi, Saadi, Omar Khayyam, Rumi, and Hafiz (in spirit)
WHEN: Sunday, June 21, 2009, 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: 420 North 4th Street, Tacoma, WA
Historically, poetry has deeply infused Iranian culture, and Western travellers often remarked on the knowledge and recital of the best classical Persian poetry by even unlettered men and women. ― Poets like Firdausi, Saadi, Omar Khayyam, Rumi, and Hafiz have indelibly marked not only Iranian but world literature. ― Since in Iran light is a symbol of the presence of the spiritual in the material world, we will celebrate this contribution on the solstice.
All human beings are in truth akin;
All in creation share one origin.
When fate allots a member pangs and pains,
No ease for other members then remains.
If, unperturbed, another's grief canst scan,
Thou are not worthy of the name of man.
—Saadi.
For more information, please contact Mark Jensen: 253-756-7519.
RELATED:
** Photos likely to modify your image of Iran:
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2007/01/discovering-iran-photo.html
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/02/discovering-iran-part-2.html
** On Iranian culture:
** News from Iran:
** On Sat., Jun. 20, the Seattle Iranian Festival will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. -- (206) 652-IACA.
http://iaca-seattle.org/iranian-festival-seattle