Poetic Contemplation and the Divinity Within

Anchored to a conversation between carpenter priest William Beers and philosopher poet John Koethe, participants will explore the meanings of being human in the contemporary world. Physics, the social sciences, philosophy, and theology provide the cultural and personal context for contemplating the imagination, memory, and mourning in the creation of meaning.

No experience needed, just a willingness to stretch your knowledge, imagination, and awareness. We will inhabit the poems of John Koethe and others to deepen our contemplative awareness of the world and the divinity within. Please join us for this deep dive into modernity and modern poetry.

It is highly recommended that you pick up a copy of John Koethe's thin volume of poetry, Cemeteries and Galaxies (2025, Farrar, Straus, Giroux) in advance. It is the collection central to this conversation between John and Bill. Some copies will be available for purchase the day of the event.

Schedule

• 8:00 am – Arrivals, welcome, gathering, settling in
• 8:30 - 10:00 am – Session One
• 10:00 - 10:15 am – Break
• 10:15 am - 12:00 pm – Session Two
• 12:00 - 1:00 pm – Lunch
• 1:00 - 3:00 pm – Session Three
• 2:30 - 2:45 pm – Break
• 2:45 - 3:45 pm – Session Four
• 3:45 - 4:00 pm – Wrap-up