By Tricia Cherry — In celebration of National Poetry Month, the eighteenth Favorite Poem Project was held recently in Henry T. Wilks Conference Center on the Hamilton campus. This event is planned yearly, sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Writing, and co-sponsored by the Rentschler Library. Students and staff alike were invited to either read their favorite poems or to just relax and listen to some poetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along the far wall away from the tables and podium, there were long tables. Books of poetry from the likes of Edgar Allan Poe were displayed on one table, available for use in case anyone who wanted to read came unprepared. On another table was a simple spread of chips, cookies, and drinks, which everyone was encouraged to partake in before and during the readings. Before the readings began, a deep, cleansing breath was encouraged for those who planned to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn today\u2019s screen-dominated world,\u201d the key speaker said, \u201cwe don\u2019t get enough time to sit and listen to poems live. Poetry is not a luxury; it is how we give names to the nameless, give words to thought.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the reading of poetry, it is customary to \u201csnap, not clap,\u201d meaning the audience would snap their fingers instead of clapping to show their appreciation. Snaps would happen during the readings to express approval at certain lines or tones, but applause was always given after a reading. In addition to the poems themselves, the readers were also encouraged to tell the crowd why they chose the poem they did, and if it had any special meaning to them or was otherwise important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The day began with \u201cThe Lockless Door\u201d by Robert Frost and continued with \u201cNothing Gold Can Stay,\u201d also by Frost. \u201cHer Kind\u201d by Anne Sexton, \u201cRoses\u201d by Whitney Oliver, and many others were also featured. A reading of the beginning lines of Beowulf <\/em>by Professor Pearman, published over a thousand years ago, was a unique experience for many who are unfamiliar with older British literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some readings were actually from songs, such as \u201cOn the Bus Mall\u201d by the Decemberists, with the lyrics of the song spoken in verse, which seemed to be accepted by the crowd. One song, \u201cGraffiti Paint\u201d by Field Medic, was actually sung and accompanied by guitar. Considering that songs are, in many ways, simply poetry set to music, it makes sense that they would also be welcome at a poetry reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of the readers read their chosen poems with raw emotion, as though they were truly angry, sad, happy, or wistful. Everyone present seemed to understand the purpose of poetry as emotional expression. This means using words, allegory, and imagery, and invoking emotions to give voice to more complex ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creative and artistic pursuits such as poetry have been shown to have a positive effect on mental and emotional development and health. As previously mentioned, the Favorite Poetry Project is an annual event, meaning it will be held again next April for anyone who is interested in attending, and for those interested in gathering with like-minded individuals looking for an engaging, enjoyable, and creative experience–and adding some appreciative snaps as well.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"