The idea of home will be explored in poetry at Iola Public Library on Friday. Kansas Poet Laureate Wyatt Townley will be coming for the first time to Iola to read poems and discuss themes for a bring-your-own-brown-bag-lunch event.
“What is home, where is home, and how does it intersect with poetry?” Townley said. “I’m doing not only my poetry, but other Kansans’ and other greats, many of whom I’ve memorized.”
Library Director Roger Carswell said that, for him, “home” is a place to be comfortable and share memories, which is something that both Iola and the library does for him.
“I think Iola is a good comfortable place to call home. I’ve been here for 22 years and it felt like home from the beginning,” he said.
While poetry is not often as popular as other forms of mainstream writing, it allows “deeper literacy,” Townley said, that speaks to the soul.
“I’m looking to connect with folks, word by word, breath by breath, poem by poem,” she said.
Carswell said if the event goes well, it could open the door for future events that focus on poetry.
The program begins at noon Friday. For more information contact the library at 620-365-3262.
