Poet Kim Zabel to Perform at the Blue Heron

On Tuesday, October 4th at 7pm, poet Kim Zabel will read from her just –published first book, shadowlands, at the Blue Heron Coffee House, 162 W.2nd St., Winona, as part of the Laureate Writers Series.

Kim Zabel was born in Fargo, but grew up in Phoenix and Albuquerque, and received an MA from the University of New Mexico. She returned to Minnesota in 1996 to be near her extended family and now lives near Plainview. She has taught writing at the University of New Mexico and at Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester. She is a writer for the Post-Bulletin/507 Magazine and Rochester Women magazine.  

Shadowprints focuses on the intermingling of nature and spirituality through the lens of the Minnesota landscape. This book is a testament, spoken in the mature, confident and prophetic voice of an old soul giving instructions to another about to set foot into the uncharted terrain of the spirit. This is a world stripped of the trapping of civilization, a world in extremis. Cormac McCarthy and Marilynne Robinson and even Jack London come to mind, with a dash of Galway Kinnell. These are ancient songs from a deep place, sung in a compelling new voice. 

Celebrated Native American poet Joy Harjo says “These poems are intuitive trails to an understanding beyond understanding. Mystery is a bottomless lake of fresh water. We stop for a little while and take a drink. We do not want to leave.” 

The reading will be followed by a book signing and an open mic at which new as well as seasoned writers are invited to share their work. The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by Winona’s Fine Arts Commission.

The Laureate Writer’s Series is sponsored by the City of Winona’s Fine Arts Commission. The City of Winona is a partner of River Arts Alliance.