An Exuberant Evening with Barbara Mossberg

Join a magical evening of poignancy and lift in performance arts at Thoreau Farm with resident inspiration Dr. Barbara Mossberg. The presentations are followed by a reception.

PERFORMANCE

“(P)raising the Dead:” Mossberg’s Poet in Residence one-act lyric tragicomedy on the transforming role of memoir writing in our own lives, read by audience participants.

READING

“I Saw a Worm, and Other Lifechanging and Lifesaving Events,” from her new book, Clown Cantos: Everything Is Alive In Its Own Way, Meditations on Being and Mortal Happiness

I saw a worm. I won’t say it changed my life. Rather, it made clear my life, or rather, roiled, my thinking about what it is about my life and all our lives that is worth saving. Worth fighting for. Rooting for. Humbled, amazed, lit, moved, I proceeded to my office, and in the normally hectic hour before class, I wrote. I had to tell you. And while driving, I saw a turkey on the sidewalk. I pulled over. I had to tell you. What did I write? I pondered, like Emily Dickinson’s Clown. I was all over myself in amazement at what Dante called this our life. I was beside myself, undone with happiness.

And I had to tell you.

RECEPTION

Join Barbara and our Thoreau community for rounds of cakes and ale (always cake!) and merriment following the presentations.