Writers in Kyoto member Nathan Mader commemorated the release of his first book of poetry, “The Endless Animal,” with a celebration of the craft via a reading not only of his own poems, but an open reading of any poetry by attendees.

Nathan’s reading from his book included a poem written from the perspective of one of the first two monkeys to return from space, one about hiding in a Whirlpool dryer, and references to putting cherry blossoms, and various other things, in one’s mouth, because, “Isn’t the desire to put the world in your mouth the origin of poetry?”

The event was held on a Friday evening, October 18, 2024, at the Kyoto International Community House (Kokoka) in the beautiful and spacious Japanese annex. 

After reading some poems, Nathan took a few questions and explained that his collection of about 40 poems was written over the last 10 years. The title, “The Endless Animal,” was taken from the body of one of his poems and was chosen in part because looking over his work he saw that animals were a consistent theme.

Asked if the work felt different now that it is published in a book, Nathan said that he felt a kind of grief that he could no longer tweak the poems at will. 

About 20 people attended the event, including some of Nathan’s relatives from Saskatchewan, Canada. A handful of WiK members were there, two of whom took a turn to present poetry. Julian Holmes read from “Waking to Snow,” by Robert McLean. Kirsty Kawano read an original piece. Another poetry lover and a more “poetry-curious” attendee also presented some works.

Nathan’s publisher, fine. press (fineperiodpress.com) funded the evening, which included refreshments.