Poetry & Our Spiritual Lives: A Reading and Panel Discussion

Prominent poets explore spirituality, contemplation and our shared humanity in a landmark reading at Vanderbilt–New York City.
About this Event

Through deep attention and thoughtful language, at its best, poetry makes room for revelations that transcend headlines of geopolitical conflicts and cultural battles. Poetry urges us to inhabit a more contemplative realm of existence, however mysterious, and to observe how we are miraculously convened on Earth. This landmark reading gathers prominent American writers whose essays and poetry instigate greater awareness of our spiritual journeys and the clarity of vision we seek.

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
• Reception 6–7 p.m.
• Panel 7–8 p.m.
• At the Refectory at Vanderbilt University–New York City
• Entrance: 440 W. 21st St.

This panel will be moderated by Major Jackson, Professor of English & Director of Creative Writing, and Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in the Humanities.

Panelists

Pádraig Ó Tuama, Professor in the Practice of Spirituality, Yale University & Host of Poetry Unbound

Tracy K. Smith, Boylston Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory, Harvard University & Former U.S. Poet Laureate

Kevin Young, Rosenkranz Writer-in-Residence, Yale University, & Poetry Editor of The New Yorker