Wright State poets will come together for a reading and question and answer session on Tuesday, April 15 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in E163 Student Union.
The event, Poets and their Muses, will consist of readings from two WSU faculty and five graduate and undergraduate students that have been published in the field of poetry, as well as a ten minute question and answer session at the end. The readings will take place from noon- 1 p.m., but the doors will be open thirty minutes before, in order to set up.
Jimmy Chesire, senior lecturer of English stated that the English Department has a colloquium committee that attempts to arrange events that will draw appeal from those in the department and the university as a whole. With April being Poetry Month and a large portion of English faculty involved in creative writing, the committee thought it would be interesting to hear from poets within the university.
“We believe personally and professionally that poetry is just as important to the well-being of society as your breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Chesire. “It’s a deeper way to communicate intellectually, spiritually, psychologically, metaphorically. I expect everyone that shows up will be stimulated in their growth intellectually and emotionally. And it’s just fun.”
Thomas Talbert, junior English major and reader for the event stated that he enjoys these readings and wants to see more of them on campus.
“I think you get a fuller experience of it in person,” said Talbert. “Readings like this with students, they cultivate a culture of poetry and that allows for a more intimate sense of community with writers on campus.”
Talbert described himself as a humanist and stated that sometimes finds inspiration when just speaking with people in his life.
“In poetry, I think you kind of have to choose what you’re going to focus on, what you’re going to elevate,” said Talbert. “I just figured, why not other people?”
Deborah Rocheleau, freshman English major and another reader for the event, stated that she’s often inspired by science and history and encourages those looking for inspiration to write about what catches your interest.
“Look for things in your life or ideas that inspire you,” said Rocheleau. “Things that sound interesting, even if you’re unsure why they sound interesting. Also, try things that stick with you. Memories that, years later, you remember what that place smelled like, or what that food tasted like. Even if you’re unsure why you remember it, just start writing and see what happens.
