GOVERNORS ISLAND — Lay in the grass, soak up the sun and listen to poems — much better than this attempt at one.
Thousands of literature lovers are gathering on Governors Island this weekend to celebrate one, perhaps underappreciated, form of the written word: poetry.
The fifth annual New York City Poetry Festival will take over the island this with more than 250 poets reading their works on three stages, as well as book and art vendors, food trucks and a beer garden run by Brooklyn Brewery.
Cofounder Stephanie Berger said she began the festival, which now attracts about 4,000 visitors, on “something on a whim.”
“A few years ago, we just saw this beautiful, green, open space and thought it would be a perfect spot to bring people together,” she said. “It’s been really wonderful to see how many people come and enjoy the festival.”
Bringing people — poets in particular — together was a goal for Berger, who says the poetry community is pretty large in New York, but can be very fragmented.
“Across the city, poets across different boroughs don’t really have a space where they all come together, and get out of there smaller groups,” said Berger. “We want this to be a space where they can mingle and collaborate, under the sun.”
It’s also a chance shine a light on poetry, give a place for lovers of the poetry to gather, and remind the world that “poetry is not dead,” Berger said.
The festival is a day of casual celebration, Berger said. The free event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 25 and July 26., is set up with three stages where a lineup of poets will read their works. Visitors can walk around, or find a spot to sit and listen.
This year’s headliners include award-winning poets Nick Flynn and Patricia Spears Jones. But there will be a variety of performers, Berger said. You’ll find high school poets from The Bronx, alongside M.F.A students and poets who regularly perform at the famed Nuryorican Poets Café in the East Village.
If you want to explore your own poetry skills, there’s also a day-of sign up for a few hours of open mic.
There’s also plenty of poetry-inspired, interactive art installations to wander through amid the Island’s greenery, including the Typewriter Project, a 100-foot scroll of paper where people can add a few lines, using a USB typewriter kit.
There’s also the slightly morbid Word Graveyard, an exhibit that lets you craft your own epitaph for a tombstone.
If you bring children along, Berger says there’s plenty to keep them busy. A separate children's area is set up, with a stage for kid's readings. There's also several poetry writing workshops and games.
"Whether you're a poet, love poetry, or just want an interesting, beautiful day, we'd encourage you to come out," Berger said.
For more information about the lineup and the festival, check out the festival's website.
