First Tuesdays Presents Barry Wallenstein

When: February 4, 2025
Where: Espresso 77 Café, 35-57 77th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
Time: 7:00 — 8:30 PM (open-mic sign up at 6:30)
Cost: $5 minimum purchase at the food counter.
More Information: Richard Jeffrey Newman

Barry Wallenstein is the author of eleven collections of poetry, the most recent being It’s About Time [New York Quarterly Books, 2022]. His poetry has appeared in over 100 journals, including Ploughshares, The Nation, American Poetry Review and Manhattan Review. A special interest is his presentation of poetry readings in collaboration with jazz. He has made twelve recordings of his poetry with jazz, the most recent being Lisbon Sunset (2018) and Lisbon Sunrise (2022). Barry is Emeritus Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at the City University of New York and an editor of the journal, American Book Review and advisory editor of BigCityLit. Since retiring from CUNY, (2007) he’s been part of the faculty at the Center for Learning and Living, a continuing ed program for seniors.

Here’s his poem “Dawdling Past Curfew:”

Surely it was an error or a lucky punch
that let me slip through
and continue in this living room,
the best room on the planet,
when the others have left,
some few, years ago
some others, just lately.   They no longer know I’m here
in the room, or maybe,
possessed by magic,
some do know
and think my way,
feel into the corners
of this large room.   It cools a little
every time someone leaves.
All the coats, hats, scarves,
neatly hung in the closet,
are bored on their hangers,
devoid of utility.   So, I stick around
and envision my needs,
palpate my hunger,
photograph all I can,
find the music
that keeps me listening
and in touch with the players.   Out this plate glass window
beauties pass by,
a phoebe, a falling feather,
a postal worker with parcels;
boys and girls who vibrate
on the verdant lawn.
The past tense makes no sense.

This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.