W.S. Merwin, the American poet, environmental activist, and two-time Pulitzer Prize recipient, died Friday March 15 at his home in Haiku, Hawaii, on the island of Maui. He was 91.
The Oral Tradition of W.S. Merwin
The poet W.S. Merwin died on March 15, age 91. In this essay, published in Lion’s Roar magazine in 2011, Susan Dunlap contemplates Merwin’s poem “Vixen.”
The Life-Changing Words of Mary Oliver
The beloved poet Mary Oliver died at her home on Thursday. She was 83. In this Lion’s Roar archive article, Rick Bass looks at Oliver’s poem “The Summer Day.”
Who Was Otagaki Rengetsu?
Grace Schireson on the life, art, and poetics of the Zen nun Otagaki Rengetsu, a woman “humbled by life’s blows as well as its beauty.”
How to Do Gatha Practice
By reciting the short verses known as gathas, says Zachiah Murray, we transform any activity into an opportunity to awaken to our true nature.
Ursula K. Le Guin on Housman’s Classic Poem “From Far”
Ursula K. Le Guin unpacks the rhythm and wisdom of A.E. Housman’s classic poetry.
Love Letters Sent by the Wind
“A single night of love is better than a hundred thousand years of sterile meditation,” he wrote. The life and poetry of Ikkyu, translated by John Stevens.
Everything Is Joyous: An interview with John Giorno
In the midst of New York City’s celebration of vital poet, pop artist, and Buddhist, John Giorno, Lauria Galbraith speaks with him about his art and inspirations.
National Treasure: Gary Snyder
Beat hero, steward of the earth, Zen Buddhist—in his mid-eighties, poet Gary Snyder looks back on an honorable life at the leading edge.
Author (and Zen Buddhist) Jane Hirshfield debuts “poem about the presidency” in Washington Post
Jane Hirshfield. Photo by Adam Phillips. (Public domain.)Jane Hirshfield. Photo by Adam Phillips. (Public domain.) The Washington Post today published “On the Fifth Day,” a new “poem about the presidency” authored by Jane Hirshfield. “On the Fifth Day,” according to the Washington Post, will be read by Hirshfield from the stage at the March for Science on April 22. Hirshfield, who has […]