Heart on Your Sleeve delivered poetry into people’s hands as we cautiously navigated communal city life in 2021.

The concept was simple. Insulation sleeves for takeout coffee-cups were marked with curated epigrams of 150 words or less that reflect numerous visions of the future. We were looking to infuse New Yorkers’ lives with messages of liberation, equity, and even utopia. These mindful verses added a little lift to a drink that’s already proven to be a great way to start the day. Featured poets included:  Cathy Linh Che, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Eileen Myles, Rochelle Owens, Nicole Sealey, and Irene Villaseñor. Art by Hyesu Lee.

Fall 2021 sleeves were available at two Joe Coffee locations on Governors Island LMCC’s Art Center café and Liggett Terrace.

Thank you for wonderful support from The Poetry Project’s Kyle Dacuyan and Will Farris, LMCC’s Lili Chopra, and Joe Coffee, along with Craig Howarth, Anne Pope, and Genevieve Wollenbecker, all who lent a hand.

Photo: Clockwise from top left, Regie Cabico holding Irene Villaseñor ‘s poem, Kate Robinson holding Rachel Eliza Griffiths’ poem, JoAnn Castillo holding Rochelle Owens ‘ poem, Fatima Jones holding Eileen Myles’ poem, Bora Kim holding Cathy Linh Che’s poem, and Kyle Dacuyan holding Nicole Sealey’s poem.