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On Monday, March 18, 2024, poetry enthusiasts will gather at Lost City Books in Washington, DC, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a thought-provoking Poetry Book Club session. The focus of the meeting will be the acclaimed work "How to Be a Good Savage and Other Poems" by Mikeas Sánchez, skillfully translated into English by Wendy Call and Shook. This poetry collection, part of the Seedbank series, introduces readers to the profound perspectives of the Zoque people in southern Mexico through the eloquent and authoritative voice of the prolific poet, Mikeas Sánchez. Sánchez's poems navigate a complex terrain, weaving together elements of cosmology, lineage, feminism, and environmental activism. The verses, both fiercely personal and universally resonant, celebrate the self and the collective identity simultaneously. The poet delves into the struggles of the Zoque people against colonialism and empire, drawing poignant parallels with the challenges faced by North African immigrants and refugees. Sánchez's encounters with the latter in Barcelona serve as a revelation, portrayed vividly as they spread "white blankets on the ground," symbolic of the elusive promise of a land that has become a mirage. "How to Be a Good Savage and Other Poems" not only explores the intersections of diverse struggles but also showcases Sanchez's profound love for imperiled relatives, ancestors, gods, and archetypal Zoque figures. As the only woman to publish a book of poetry in both Zoque and Spanish, Sanchez's collection is a powerful and timely offering that brings bilingual originals and their English translations together for the first time. This event promises to be a captivating exploration for poetry lovers interested in the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary struggles.
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