The Living Poets Society Words Beneath the Trees

*"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race."* — *Dead Poets Society* *** ## 🌸 Event Description Have you ever come across a few words that stayed with you long after you read or heard them? Perhaps it was a poem. A paragraph from a novel. Song lyrics you always return to. A line from a film. A letter. A journal entry. Or simply a sentence that arrived at exactly the right moment in your life. Let's gather beneath the trees of Kokyo Gaien National Garden for a gentle afternoon of sharing the words that have shaped us. This isn't a literature class. It's not about analysing poetry or finding the "correct" meaning. Instead, it's a space to slow down, listen, and discover how different words have quietly accompanied each of us through life. Sometimes a single sentence can comfort us. Sometimes it can change us. Sometimes it simply reminds us that we're not alone. *** ## 🌿 Before the Event Before the meetup, I'd love for each participant to send me **one piece of writing** that you'd like to share via Instagram or email. **Instagram: tokyoconnections** **Emial: euphieyanqsj@gmail.com** It could be: 📖 A poem 🎵 Song lyrics 📚 A passage from a novel or book 🎬 A quote from a film 💌 A letter 📝 A journal entry ✨ Or simply any words that have stayed with you. If your selection isn't in English, please include an English translation if possible so everyone can enjoy it together. I'll print everyone's submission before the event and prepare a small collection for us. *** ## 🌳 Our Quiet Walk When everyone has arrived, I'll give each participant their printed piece. Before we begin talking, we'll spend **ten minutes walking quietly through Kokyo Gaien National Garden**, reading our chosen words in silence. No conversations. No introductions. Just you, the trees, the afternoon light, and the words you've chosen. Think of it as a gentle way to arrive—not just physically, but mentally. When we return, we'll gather in a circle and begin sharing. *** ## 🌼 What to Expect 📖 Reading meaningful words together 🤍 Listening without judgement 🌿 Gentle conversations inspired by literature, music and life 🎨 Creating a handmade poetry & words collection 📷 A peaceful afternoon beneath the trees *** ## 📚 Our Handmade Collection At the end of the afternoon, we'll decorate everyone's printed pages together using tapes, stickers, dried flowers, coloured pens and other craft materials. Then we'll bind everything into a handmade collection—a small time capsule of the words that brought us together. Hopefully, this will become **Volume One** of many future gatherings. *** ## ✨ Our Community Poem Before saying goodbye, everyone will write **one sentence** inspired by the afternoon. We'll combine every sentence into one collaborative poem written by all of us together. A small reminder that every voice contributes to something larger. *** ## 📍 Location **Kokyo Gaien National Garden** (Outside the Imperial Palace) In front of the Starbucks coffee wadakura fountain park. *** ## 🕰 Schedule **Saturday Afternoon** **Meeting Time:** 4:00PM **10-minute silent walk** **Poetry & conversation circle & creative time** **Community poem & closing** **Finish:** Around 6:00PM *** ## 🍵 I'll Bring • Picnic sheets • Printed collection of everyone's submissions • Pens • Tape • Stickers • Dried flowers • Craft materials for decorating *** ## 💴 Participation Fee **¥1000 per person** (Cash or PayPay at the meeting point.) The participation fee helps cover printing, craft materials and event organization. *** ## 🎒 What to Bring • Your favourite drink and snacks (optional) • Comfortable clothes • A blanket or cushion if you'd like • An open mind • The words that have stayed with you *** ## 🌿 Community Guidelines This isn't about analysing literature. It's about sharing the words that have accompanied us through life. There are no right or wrong interpretations. Share only what feels comfortable. Listen with curiosity.