New America Media, Audio, Shirin Sadeghi, Posted: Sep 24, 2011

In ancient days and ancient lands, the poet was the guru -- the man and sometimes the woman, who the public turned to for wisdom, counsel and hope. In ancient Iran there were Hafez and Rumi, in England there was Shakespeare and the list goes on...until it fades, because today, the poet doesn't quite hold the same esteem.

Michael Rothenberg is out to change that notion. From his home in Sonoma County California he has managed to organize the biggest ever gathering of international poets to demonstrate to the world that the poet is alive and well and still the voice of change.

His event is called 100,000 Poets for Change and it takes place this weekend, Saturday September 24, in 450 cities in 95 countries to promote serious social, environmental and political change. He spoke with New America Now Host Shirin Sadeghi ahead of the event.