Submissions for the next Art of Poetry event are being accepted through Saturday, June 4. The next gathering will be Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 2 pm, beginning in the front lobby of Hickory Museum of Art. Join us!

Art of Poetry’s Melissa Hager is pictured reading her poem “Transcendence” in front of the Steve McCurry photograph that inspired her – and Scott Owens. Scott’s poem “Three Figures Coming or Going,” featured on Art of Poetry March 28, was based on three Steve McCurry photographs. This McCurry work is the third photo for Scott’s poem. Photo courtesy of Roger and Ginny Sanford.

Melissa Hager
TRANSCENDENCE
after “Shaolin Monastery” by Steve McCurry

Buddhist monks renounce the world,
obtain spiritual rebirth
through constant prayer, mindful
celebration of life. Laughing
Buddha eschewed man’s attempt
to compartmentalize humanity;
carnal rules and stigmas bear no hold
in Nirvana. The answer is simple,
love and be loved. Jettison
the wall that attempts to box
life in, smiling all the way.