Poetry Lovers Gather for Monthly Roundtable

Teen and adult poetry enthusiasts are invited to attend the Racine Public Library's Poetry Roundtable, to enjoy a lively discussion of some of today's most intriguing poets. The group generally meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. at Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St. These free events focus on contemporary American poetry, highlighting a different poet at each meeting. As a group, participants will read poetry excerpts, analyze them and discuss their significance in today's society. Individuals with varying levels of poetry experience are welcome.

Poetry Roundtable will feature these contemporary poets in upcoming months:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20; 12-2 P.M. - Douglas Kearney
"1. it ain't from here; it is here. mud slurred through water. mud made here to a here it is. So if there it goes, here is gone, too and it will still be from nowhere but here." - Douglas Kearney

Douglas Kearney's work as a poet, performer and librettist has been featured in many fine publications and venues in print, in-the-flesh and in digital code. His first full-length collection of poems, Fear, Some, was published in 2006 (Red Hen Press). His second manuscript, The Black Automaton, was chosen by Catherine Wagner for the National Poetry Series and will be published by Fence Books in November 2009. In 2008, he was honored with a Whiting Writers' Award.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20; 12-2 P.M. - Lara Glenum
"A dangerous toy. Not for use by ballerinas shot in the face. Clean clogged orifices with chainsaw/feather dipped in lye."

Lara Glenum is a poet, scholar, and translator. Author of two books of poetry: The Hounds of No and Maximum Gaga as well as co-editor of Gurlesque, an anthology of contemporary women's poetry and visual art, she has collaborated with sound, visual, and digital media artists on Meat Out of the Eater, a multimedia installation. The previous recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship to Prague, Lara translates 20th and 21st century Czech poetry.

Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a local poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info for information about each month's selected poet, including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more. Poetry Roundtable events are free and open to the public; drop-ins are welcome.