What could be better on a blustery fall evening in Lewisburg than throwing on a chunky sweater and settling into a pew in Bucknell Hall with a fresh cookie and hot tea to listen to poetry? The hall had a warm, inviting glow on Tuesday night as professors, English majors, community members, and the literature lovers of Bucknell alike gathered to hear Tony Hoagland read his critically acclaimed poetry. The mood was light as Hoagland kicked off his reading by complimenting the microphone and speaker system, saying that a good microphone makes for a “sexy” reading. He also commented on good old Lewisburg, PA, saying that his time in our small town had been nice but slightly creepy, as it seemed to him that everyone had been “hired to act normal”. This remark was met with laughter that continued as he read some of his work.
The poet addresses social and political issues with his own brand of satirical humor. In his newest book, Unincorporated Persons in the Late Honda Dynasty, he comments on everything from the gradually diminishing number of chips in the “Big Grab” bags to “Poor Britney Spears”, a poem which was a crowd favorite. He also read poems by some of his favorite poets, including Adrian Blevins. Hearing poetry Hoagland appreciates gave fascinating insight into the mind of a talented writer, as did the Q&A session he gave earlier in the day. He and Shara McCallum, director of the Stadler Center for Poetry, discussed many topics ranging from rhetoric in his poetry to his use of humor. Hoagland explained that humor in his poetry serves to disarm readers, and make them feel that they are able to understand it, which is helpful since people often perceive poetry as esoteric and out of their reach. His statement seemed to be true at these two events, in which laughter contributed to the relaxed atmosphere and resulted in an engaged audience.
Hoagland also made himself available to interact with students and community members. The students in Professor McCallum’s advanced poetry seminar were lucky enough to have a personal discussion with Hoagland about their work. He also stayed after his reading to mingle, answer questions, and sign books. The poet was personable and open as he chatted with the long line of students and community members waiting to speak with him. He signed my copy of Unincorporated Persons with the remark, “rock hard!”
Feeling like you missed out? Never fear, the Stadler Center is hosting another reading featuring Darcie Dennigan and Khaled Mattawa on October 25th at 5 PM. So don your best hipster outfit and indulge in some free treats – cookies and literature! For more information, visit the Stadler Center’s website http://www.bucknell.edu/x20382.xml or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stadler-Center-for-Poetry/239089779477036
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bucknell chapter.