By JONATHAN CLARK January 25, 2008

On a snow-covered hill overlooking Lake Hibiscus in the center of a Victorian landscape, nestled near a stone wall, lies a modest marker with these words engraved into it: Edward Estlin Cummings. The place is Forest Hills Cemetery, where Cummings, a unique and influential American poet, is buried. To keep his spirit alive (as well as the spirit of poetry in general), Tapestry of Voices and Forest Hills Educational Trust present the Poetry in the Chapel series, a monthly reading of poets from the Greater Boston area.

On Sun., Feb. 3 at 2 p.m., Forest Hills celebrates the rich poetic community of Jamaica Plain, which is known as one of Boston’s most artistic and literary neighborhoods. The four local poets reading their work deal with many themes, ranging from the biggest issues in the world to the smallest aspects of the self.

Susan Eisenberg’s most recent work, “Blind Spot,” deals with the mysterious nature of family history and chronic illness. She has published three poetry collections and a nonfiction book entitled, “We’ll Call You if We Need You: Experiences of Women Working Construction,” a New York Times Notable Book, which draws on her experiences as a licensed master electrician.

Carolyn Gregory views poetry as a means to “communicate the need for compassionate engagement in the world and community.” In addition to publishing poetry, Gregory has taught creative writing classes and reviewed classical music for the online arts publication “STYLUS.”

Audrey Henderson mixes travel and home in her lovely, visual poems, writing about the world she has seen as well as the community in which she lives. In her poem, “Monarch,” for example, she references Mexico and Alveston Street in the same line. A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, she has written frequently for BBC radio.

Sandra Storey’s life and work “revolve around observing, reading, writing and speaking—with an emphasis on community.” As such, Storey is the publisher and editor of the Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill Gazettes, which have flourished as independent newspapers—a rarity in today’s media world. Also known for her sense of humor, she was once invited to read some of her work at a “First Amendment reading of outrageous and controversial poems Jesse Helms wouldn’t like.”

These poets will be reading at Forsyth Chapel, a beautiful and historic space. Its Gothic Revival architecture, small size and perfect acoustics give this series an unusual intimacy. Past poets have raved about the venue, calling it the “best place to read in Boston.”

In many ways, the Poetry in the Chapel series is similar to Cummings’ tiny gravestone: simple, elegant, and modest, but representing so much more.

The Jamaica Plain Poets reading takes place on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. in Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave., sponsored by Tapestry of Voices and the Forest Hills Educational Trust. More information about the reading and the reading series is at www.foresthillstrust.org.

The writer is an associate at Forest Hills Educational Trust.