By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – In 1996, the Academy of American Poets designated April National Poetry Month. This theme for this year's celebration is poetry in your community. And the Just Buffalo Literary Center taking that message, well - literally - with Poetry to Go.
Don't be alarmed. But about 100 of the area's most periphrastic poets are about to hit the streets. You're likely to see them just about anywhere. They'll be annunciating and alliterating at stores and schools, coffee shops and community centers all over town. Why? Well, they're on a mission of sorts. They're spreading the good word about poetry.
Mike Kelleher with Just Buffalo Literary Center says it's an idea inspired by former poet laureate Robert Pinskey.
"He invited people to come out to public spaces and recite their favorite poems, by their favorite poets. So, poetry to go was sort of inspired by that," said Kelleher. "And what has happened is that we have put together these 'to go bags,' filled with poetry that we go out into public spaces and hand out, while simultaneously reciting poems by our favorite poets, all over the city."
If you should somehow fail to cross paths with a poet this week, don't despair. A poetry grand finale is planned for 7pm this Saturday in Just Buffalo's new Hibiscus Room. And you can log onto WBFO.org for a complete listing of all "poetry to go" events happening this week.
Monday April 7, 2003
1. Veterans Hospital, 3495 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, NY, 3rd Floor Rm 301, 6:30 - 7-30 PM, hosted by The Secret Word writing group - Rosemary Kothe, Claire Marrone, Tim Bienkowski, Miriam Rothenberg
2. HOTF-TV, Truckstop Intellectuals, hosted by Claudia Torres, airs in the suburbs, Adelphia Cable Channel 10:30 PM, Channel 20
Tuesday April 8, 2003
1. Hilbert College, Franciscan Hall Board Room, Hamburg, 2 - 3:30 PM, hosted by Professor Herb Kauderer and his creative writing class.
2. Kenmore Public Library, 160 Delaware Rd., 7-8 PM, hosted by the DCW writing group - Karen Lewis, Maureen O'Connor, Mary O'Herron, Jennifer Tappenden, Amy Christman, Eileen Hothow
3. Concerned Ecumenical Ministry, 286 Layfayette Ave. 6-7 PM, hosted by Joannie Russ - (Paula Wachowiak, Celia White, Marg Norris, Grace Martin, Anna Walsh), 7-8 pm sign-up slots available
Wednesday April 9, 2003
1. Bisonette House (formerly Hope House) 335 Grider St. (across from ECMC), hosted by The Write People writing group, 7 PM-9 PM - Harriet Feder Martha L. Deed, Millie Ness, Maureen Dann, Margaret Haas, Suzanne Tommey Spinks, Judy Einach, Sandy Carrubba - this event will incorporate a public reading and an opportunity for writing
2. Inn on the River, Buffalo Ave. Niagara Falls, hosted by The Association of Professional Women Writers (APWW), 7:15 PM start, the public is welcome to attend and read up to five minutes of poetry, APWW group members will also read.
Thursday April 10, 2003
1. Moka Coffee, corner of Elmwood and Allen St. 6-8 PM, hosted by just buffalo literary center and Gay and Lesbian Youth Services (GLYS), M.C.: Sherry Robbins, sign-ups available
Friday April 11, 2003
1. HOTF-TV, Truckstop Intellectuals, hosted by Claudia Torres, segment to air in Buffalo, 7:00 PM Adelphia Cable Channel 20
2. The Bookworm Caf , 5100 Transit Rd. Depew, 7-9 PM, 10 sign-ups available, hosted by The Thundering Word - Herb Kauderer, Alan Katerinsky, David Salley, Karen Ehrlich.
Saturday April 12, 2003
1. Wal-Mart, 5033 Transit Rd. (Clarence), 12 - 3 PM, poets reading local authors works.
2. just buffalo literary center, TriMain Bldg, suite 512, Hibiscus Room, party for all participants, 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to share 2 poems of their own work.