Two events are happening this weekend that I am honored to be involved in. The first is Friday night at 6:30pm at Glass City Metropark and it's the brainchild of Atlanta poet and Toledo native, Julie E. Bloemeke. Nobody organizes an event quite like this amazing woman! #5poets5parks features original poems by 5 Toledo poets for 5 parks in the Metroparks Toledo system.
The poets and parks:
Ryan Bunch - Glass City
Tim Geiger - Sidecut
Jonie McIntire - Farnsworth
Dustin Pearson - Oak Openings Preserve
Kerry Trautman - Wildwood Preserve
Not only will there be a celebration of the Metroparks and a reading of new works of poetry, but Julie has collaborated with incredible Toledo artists. Sven Olaf Nelson, founder of Pineapple Press and Design, has crafted the most beautiful letterpress postcards of the 5 poems. And renowned Toledo photographer, Doug Hinebaugh has created a visual presentation as well. Bios of these incredible artists are here.
Writing my poem about Farnsworth led me through the paths and woods, beyond history and deep into some personal territory. Where did the other poets go, I wonder. What in these very different metroparks inspired them? I cannot wait to hear their work, see Doug's incredible photography and experience the postcard poems.
Then on Saturday, I am traveling to South Euclid to read in A Gathering of Laurels, hosted by Poet Laureate of Cuyahoga County, Doc Janning. Check out this line-up:
Honey Bell-Bey, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Cuyahoga County
John Burroughs, Beat Poet Laureate Emeritus of Ohio and the US
Sandra Feen, Beat Poet Laureate of Ohio
Doc Janning, Inaugural Poet Laureate of South Euclid and Poet Laureate of Cuyahoga County
Jeremy Jusek, Poet Laureate of Parma
Jonie McIntire, Poet Laureate of Lucas County
Raymond McNiece, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Cleveland Heights
Dr. Mary Weems, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Cleveland Heights
(Ray McNiece, me and Jeremy Jusek at the National Federation of State Poetry Societies Convention 2022. Photo courtesy of Ohio Poetry Association)
(Doc Janning on Uncloistered Poetry Online, photo courtesy of Adrian Lime)
(John Burroughs, Sandra Feen and me, enjoying Youngstown at Lit Youngstown Fall Literary Festival in 2022. Photo courtesy of John Burroughs)
Each of us bears the heart of our city/county in our writing and each approaches leadership with our neighbors in mind. I absolutely can't wait to read poetry and talk shop with this crowd of poetic go-getters!
Join us, 2-3:30pm at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library system.
And now, to get some sleep before a very exciting and a little humbling National Poetry Month weekend.
Comments