This month the Department of English has created several events for students to celebrate National Poetry Month. Students are encouraged to read their own poems as well as work by famous poets.
“[Poetry] allows people to express their most personal thoughts and feelings and discoveries,” said Gary Pacernick, Professor Emeritus of English. “The language is unique to them.”
The events include faculty and student readings of different genres, readings in the poem’s original language, talks on poets and a concert.
According to Pacernick, who is a published poet, poetry teaches students how to use language. It allows the poet to say whatever they feel in their own language.
Pacernick did not start out loving poetry. In fact, he did not start writing poetry until he was almost finished with undergraduate school.
“I stayed away from it,” Pacernick said. “I found as I was exposed to it, I liked it.”
Pacernick suggests students create videos of their poetry performances and post them online. He also suggests students listen to music and write as fast as they can.
“My advice would be to follow your own instincts and feelings,” said Pacernick. “Just do what you can to make your own contribution to an art that’s been around forever. It is always changing and staying the same. There are always new approaches to writing poetry.”
According to Pacernick, the poetry events are so wide ranged that all students should find something that they enjoy. Students are encouraged to come enjoy readings as well as share their own.
National Poetry Month Events
Thursday, April 12-
Wright State Faculty and Alumni Poetry Reading: 10:25am-12:05pm, Pathfinder Lounge Student Union
Friday, April 13-
Favorite Poems Friday: International/Nonwestern: 12-1:30pm, Millett Hall Atrium
Monday, April 16-
WSU Student Poetry Reading: 4-5:30pm, Millett Hall 4th Floor Lounge
Friday, April 20-
Favorite Poems Friday: Anglo-American Tradition: 12-1:30pm, Millett Hall Atrium
Tuesday, April 24-
Talk: Allen Ginsberg, World Poet: 10:25am-12:05pm, Pathfinder Lounge Student Union
Thursday, April 26-
A Night With WSU Poets: 7pm, Books & Co. The Greene
Friday, April 27-
Favorite Poems Friday: The Classical Tradition: 12-1:30pm, TBA
Poetry Month Celebration Final Concert: 8pm, Schuster Hall CAC
