Darlings, welcome to "Letters to a Young Poet," a beautifully poetic experience at the New York City Poetry Festival, in collaboration with Music Before 1800. Here, we're bridging the timeless wisdom of Rainer Maria Rilke with the vibrant creativity of today’s poets. Embrace this opportunity to connect, inspire, and be inspired.

Inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s letters to the young poet Franz Kappus, where he urged him to "not be frightened" when faced with sorrow, we invite you to write your own short letter to a young poet who might need a sprinkle of courage. What words of wisdom would you offer to someone navigating the fears and challenges of pursuing their art? Share your inspiration and encouragement, and in turn, take a message of hope with you.

How It Works

  1. Write a Letter: Pick up a postcard and pen your thoughts to a young poet. Reflect on what you needed to hear when you started your artistic journey, what you need to hear now, or any encouraging words that come to mind.

  2. Leave a Postcard: Peg your postcard on the suspended string or fishing wire, adding your voice to the collective wisdom and encouragement of the festival.

  3. Take a Postcard: Choose a postcard written by a fellow attendee that resonates with you. Walk away with a piece of shared inspiration and a memento that includes details of our upcoming event on December 15th.

By participating, you’re not just sharing your words—you’re fostering a spirit of connection and inspiration, embodying the essence of PoFest and Music Before 1800. This is your chance to pay forward the gift of encouragement and carry a stranger's words with you as a reminder of our creative community.

Mark Your Calendar

At the start of the twentieth century, the aspiring 'young poet' Franz Kappus wrote to Rainer Maria Rilke, sparking a series of beautifully poetic correspondences. A century later, Rilke’s letters to Kappus have only recently been found and translated for the first time, becoming powerfully influential to a new generation of writers and artists.

Over the coming months, The Poetry Society of New York will be sharing the stories behind how the letters between Rilke and Kappus continue to inspire us all today, in partnership with Music Before 1800. On December 15th, Music Before 1800 is premiering this incredible story of poetry and shared inspiration in a new concert-theatre work titled "Letters to a Young Poet."

So stay tuned, darlings, we at The Poetry Society of New York are so excited to help the story of Rilke and Kappus come to life in beautiful new ways! In the meantime, tickets are available below for the concert-theatre US premiere of "Letters to a Young Poet" on December 15th—you won’t want to miss it!

Join us in this poetic exchange and become a part of a legacy that celebrates the power of words to uplift and connect. Let’s create a tapestry of hope, courage, and creativity together. Embrace the spirit of joyful abandon and discover the awe-inspiring world of poetry!