Thursday, May 12, 2011

Nicole K.
CPR No. 24
Ferguson Hall
May 5, 2011 @ 5:30

On May 5, 2011 I attended CPR’s Poetry Reading. “CPR is a student-edited, nationally distributed literary journal published each spring that includes work by well-known poets as well as the best Columbia College student writing and unsolicited work submitted to the review.” As I walk into the room filled with flowers, presents, books, and chocolate all color coordinated in orange and yellow, I felt as though I was in a world I did not belong. I am very much involved in the Art + Design world of Columbia College Chicago, little did I know there is another realm of clicks and passionate artist. Faculty Adivsor, David Trinidad opens up with a brief discussion and thank yous and the poetry reading commenced.

Readers were flying through their poems. Very different from the previous event I attended, where the poems were much longer. Shay lessman opened up with a very light note. His poem was about his pubescent love for the daughter on Rose Ann. Disappointed when he found out she was a lesbian. I loved this poem, it was witty, quick, and funny.

I found Tony Trigilio very intriguing, he wrote about a murder attempt in his hometown. I don’t remember the whole story but I was mostly focused on the soft flow in his voice. The way he flowed through his poem but very compelling. I don’t know if that is a negative thing that I don’t remember how the story went, but I do recall saying this is how a poem should be read.

Very different but just as entertaining was Kayla Sargeson, a tatted MA student. She got up to the podium laughing. As soon as she began reading power and assertiveness exploded from her voice. I don’t remember specific content however, what was most interesting was the way she presented. Accenting her consonants, short sharp pauses. She often began her line on the upbeat, which kept the listeners engaged. She screamed and shouted her poem, not angrily though. She was expected but very much unexpected.

I realized while I was sitting there, that poetry most of the time makes me zone out. I start thinking about other things or stopping at an idea said in a poem to analyze the thought process. The readers that were able to keep my attention were the ones that had a strong reading style. I don’t understand why 80% of poetry readers read in a monotone depressed voice. In my opinion, it’s not very interesting to listen to. I would much rather engage in a poem that had a plan, thoughtful musicality to it.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this event. I wish I was more aware of readings and other events going on outside of my department at Columbia. It’s always interesting to throw oneself in a new environment surrounded by artist of other expressions, because let’s be honest we all have the same process, our final piece is just shown in a different medium.

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