~by Denise Van for the Greene County Historical Society
Local poets will read their rhymes aloud on an April Sunday afternoon at the Greene County Historical Museum in celebration of National Poetry Month. There will be blank verse poems, too.
The public is invited to the free program, which will be held at 2 p.m., on April 23. The event is a joint production coordinated by the Community Players of Greene County and the Museum, 217 E. Lincolnway.
All local poets are invited to recite their works at the program. Call Tori Riley, 515-370-3087, to assure a spot. Or just show up.
About 10 poets have already agreed to perform, according to Riley.
They include Allee Hinote of Jefferson, a senior at Greene County High School, who scored a I at State Speech Contest with her reflective poem, “This Metaphorical Ocean.”
“It’s about growing up,” says Hinote. “It’s a long poem with some rhyme and some blank verse.”
Clay Ross will debut an original poem. He’s written poetry for years, but has never read one of his poems in public. He’s a behind-the-scenes man at most Players productions.
April 23 happens to be William Shakespeare’s birthday. Between 1593 and 1601, the Bard wrote more than 150 sonnets, and they, along with his plays, are beloved to this day. His famous Sonnet 18, “Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s day?” is quoted by lovers everywhere.
So….
On Sunday, April twenty-third
Come enjoy a rhyming word
Or two or three because
Sweet April is the month of poetry.
Please come join our coterie
At the Museum
To hear poems writ by local folk.
Their rhymes will surely stoke
A tear or two, a smile, a laugh.
The date’s the birthday of the Bard
Whom all poets hold in high regard.
A perfect day for poetry at the Museum
