So last night Michael Gushue and I had the pleasure of reading together at Riverby Books on Capitol Hill. It was such a wonderful evening with a great crowd in a pleasing space. I understand it may have been the largest crowd for that reading series (click on the photo at left to see the whole crowd).
I want to thank everyone who came out in support of Michael and I and those who bought our books, Michael's chapbook Gathering Down Women and my new book from Beothuk Books, The Space Between Our Danger and Delight. It was a pretty stunning turnout and I was moved to see so many friendly faces in the crowd.
Michael read first and I read second. We both began our times by reading a poem by another author. After a lot of thought it seemed appropriate to begin a reading for my new book by reading a few short poems from the very first book of poetry that impacted me. Pablo Neruda's Libro de Preguntas/Book of Questions (the Copper Canyon editions with William O'Daly's marvelous translations) And then I had what I can only describe as sublime and mindbending.. the opportunity to read from my own book of poems. It was great to read a few old poems and a number of newer poems from the book, especially those dealing with Texas and family. Seemed fitting as I spied in the back of the crowded room my oldest friend on the planet, Rob Crangle. We were in college together and have had the good fortune to stay in touch all these years. He was around when I first started writing poetry during another Middle East war while we were in college. Fitting to have him there. Other highlights for me were a dear older friend who is the beloved matriarch of an extended group of friends Pete and I hold dear. She came all the way from Alexandria and I was moved to be able to sign one of my books for her. So many friends were there it was just very moving and humbling. Pete even got me these lovely red roses for the evening! How perfect is that?!?
Throughout our readings people kept walking in to find a seat, and when all the chairs were taken folks went for spots on the floor. At one point my housemate Jason walked in with my friends Baba and Jomo and they carried with them pans of blondies and other treats and it became a surreal, almost Dr. Seussian scene. It was all too lovely for words. I'm still feeling over the moon about the book and the gracious response and all the lovely people at the reading tonight. It's all cream. All cream.
I know I left feeling incredibly thankful for the community of poets and friends that make an evening like this possible. I want to particularly thank everyone who put the word out about the evening including Sandra Beasley who posted a nice note on her blog and Philip Clark over at The New Gay who posted a great announcement for the evening. Monica Jacobe was such a great host and runs one of the nicest series in town. Hope we get more evenings like tonight.
Comments