THEY ARE SEASONED WRITERS, also well-seasoned in life. They are Becky Boling, Heather Candels, D.E. Green, Steve McCown and Julie A. Ryan, collectively The Poets of the Northfield Public Library. And at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 5, they will gather at Books on Central, 227 Central Avenue North, Faribault for a poetry reading followed by a Q & A.
If you happen to be one of those people who claim a dislike of poetry, I encourage you to reconsider and come to this literary event. The poetry this group will read comes from their recently-published anthology, We Look West. Their poems are down-to-earth relatable. Trust me. I’ve read this 116-page book, loved it and reviewed it. (Click here to read my review.)
The writing within the pages of this volume are stories of life, in poetry form. Poems that transition from east to west, from the sunrise to the sunset of our lives.
They’re written by poets with extensive publishing credentials. Four have taught at the high school or college level. The fifth comes from a strong literary and visual arts background. Two are Pushcart nominees.
I’ve met Boling and Green and read poetry with them at an event at Mercado Local in Northfield. They are a wonderful married couple, comfortable and friendly. No stuffy poets here. And no stuffy poems. Just plain good writing that moves the spirit, fills the soul, imprints upon the heart.
I look forward to hearing The Poets of the Northfield Public Library read selected poems and then share the stories behind their poetry. As a poet, I’m always interested in learning what inspired a particular poem.
And if you have questions, ask away. Writers welcome engagement as they share their passion for poetry, the craft of writing.
FYI: Books on Central is a second-hand book shop run by the Rice County Area United Way and staffed by volunteers. Proceeds from the bookstore benefit organizations and nonprofits throughout the county.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
That’s funny – this is the second time today I’ve encountered poetry encouragement. I enjoy synchronicity.
So poetry it is for you, Michelle. 🙂
Northfield, Minnesota strikes chords with me as I have been there like a long lost son. If people saw me on the street, would never recognize me save after speaking to me as a tourist. I am not a great poetry guy but I too, have written at least one poem as a thank you to a fellow friend who I worked with. I do have an appreciation for some poetry. My poem struck his family as a fitting tribute to a friendship we all enjoyed. It was done to confuse the reader, has misleading graphics and once someone reads it, it almost always has to be explained and then the “light bulb” hits. my great grandfather went to Saint Olaf and I have ancestors who were there for the Great Bank Robbery. One was even a college professor at one of the local Colleges, There are few poems that I can connect with but I know others have that connection and some are worthy of actually writing it. So, this Texan has roots / connections most people would be astonished at or confused by – and I am just a visiting tourist.
I love all these Minnesota connections, Gunny, and right here in my backyard.
it sounds like a wonderful event, and one I’d love –
I could absolutely see you at this poetry reading, Beth. And then shopping for books.