Leaves of Grass marathon poetry reading takes place Friday
This Friday at sunrise will commence the eighth annual Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass Marathon reading at Central Michigan University's Fabiano Botanical Gardens.
Beginning at 7:22 a.m., participants will take turns reading the collection of poems. Students and faculty are welcome to come listen or take part in the reading. In past years, the event has lasted into the afternoon said Robert Fanning, English professor and director of the event.
Fanning said Leaves of Grass is a collection of poems that encompasses a variety of subjects, and at its core celebrates interconnectedness.
"Poetry is intended to be read and heard aloud, especially Whitman's, which lends itself perfectly to a marathon reading," Fanning said. "Many students and alums tell me it is their favorite day of the school year, and it is definitely mine."
The collection is interdisciplinary, said Fanning. There is something within the reading for English, history, psychology and religion majors.
