Poetry readings in Central Park embraces students favorites, own work
Some people might say poetry is a dying art.
But that didn’t stop a group of students, professors and enthusiasts from gathering to celebrate its creation and performance.
Poetry readings brought in students from all across campus Wednesday afternoon in Central Park. Robert Fanning, assistant professor of English language and literature, even joined the group with some of his own writings.
“Poetry is important because it puts into words truths that would otherwise remain silent,” he said, “and it celebrates life.”
Fanning read a poem called “The Messiah Complex” — as well as a poem about Facebook. He said Dylan Thomas and Sylvia Plath are two of favorite poets.
Fanning happens to be one of Foster Neill’s favorite poets, as well.
Neill, a Big Rapids resident, is the founder and editor of the Michigan Poet, a publication focusing on poetry from Michigan residents.
He said poetry challenges the world and is a challenge in itself, because it’s harder than taking a picture or painting a picture.
The group plans to meet every first of the month, unless it lands on a weekend, then it will be the within the first week of the month, said C.J. Opperthauser, a Farmington Hills senior and coordinator of the event. Anyone who writes or loves poetry is free to stop by on their way to or from class.
Opperthauser said Wednesday was the group’s first reading in the park and the turnout was better than expected.
He hopes the event will give students a better appreciation for poetry and even grow a fondness for it.
“People have the wrong idea of poetry, so it’s good for them to come and discover what it’s all about,” Opperthauser said.
He said he tries to write honestly when he pens a poem.
“I try to write what I feel is to be true, like an investigation of the truth,” he said. “I’ll get a thought and run to a computer and start typing.”
The love for writing doesn’t always begin with poetry. Neill had other plans when he began exploring the written word.
“I always wanted to be a rock star, so I would write a song, then I would read it the next day and be like, ‘It’s horrible!’” Neill said.
Neill said he still struggled with poetry after moving on from songwriting, but is always improving.
“I wrote lots and lots of bad poems, but eventually I got better at it, in my opinion.”
