WordsWest was thrilled beyond measure to have internationally recognized poets Ilya Kaminsky and Mark Doty read together for National Poetry Month at C&P Coffee Company. After a warm introduction by Susan Rich, Ilya was first to take the stage, reading from Deaf Republic. The audience followed along, sharing copies of the book generously loaned out by Open Books (the independent bookstore selling books for us this night). Ilya flowed his powerful poems together, barely stopping between pages filled with horrifying crescendos and romantic snapshots. Mark followed with powerful poems born from his observances of his dear dogs, his connection with a certain barber shop in Brooklyn, and a poem about Tamir Rice, the 12 year old boy who was shot by Cleveland police while playing with a plastic toy gun.
After a short intermission, we heard a Favorite Poem by Abi Pollokoff of Open Books. All of us were enchanted to hear another (memorized!) installment from "Alphabet" by Inger Christensen. This time it was the letter "I" full of ice and intensity. The applause was deafening!
To end the evening, we enjoyed a short question/answer period with the writers.
After a short intermission, we heard a Favorite Poem by Abi Pollokoff of Open Books. All of us were enchanted to hear another (memorized!) installment from "Alphabet" by Inger Christensen. This time it was the letter "I" full of ice and intensity. The applause was deafening!
To end the evening, we enjoyed a short question/answer period with the writers.
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