On Tues. Oct. 23, 2012, the first installment of the Eagle Pond Authors’ Series poetry readings took place in the Smith Recital Hall of Silver Center for the Arts. The star of the night was Jane Hirshfield, accomplished poet and winner of several distinguished awards in her field.
This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the series at Plymouth State University. However, the program changed slightly to accommodate this anniversary. In a new tradition, student poets were selected to read their original poems as an opener to the series poets.
The evening began with a brief introduction by Liz Ahl, professor of English at PSU. Ahl commented on the student additions to the series this year detailing how, “It’s a great opportunity for them and a great opportunity for you. I’m a little biased, but I’m right.” Ahl then proceeded to welcome senior Leah Loraditch to the podium.
Breaking in this year’s series and preceding Hirshfield, Loraditch ascended the stage and read a selection of three of her poems. She began with “A Man in Theory,” a poem inspired by theories of literary criticism. Next came a villanelle entitled “Souvenir” followed by her final piece, “Red Eye Gazes.”
After the readings, Loraditch would admit to being overcome with nerves, but on stage, she appeared as solid as a rock, reading through her poems with ease and sophistication.
Loraditch then introduced Donald Hall, fellow poet and artistic director of the series. Hall began his introduction to Hirshfield by calling her “the best young poet in the United States, even if she’s pushing sixty.”
Hall continued by elaborating on Hirshfield’s “habit of styles” which creates her distinct voice. Before bringing Hirshfield on stage, Hall commented on Hirshfield’s recent flux in style. Hall admits, “When you start making a new noise, new things are available.”
With great poise, Hirshfield then advanced to the podium. She began with a note on the ambiance of the evening. “I do not think that I have read in a happier setting with a happier group of people,” commented Hirshfield.
In the next hour, she would read more than twenty original pieces, some old and sentimental and others new and celebratory. Her explanations and elaborations of her poetic inspirations proved insightful companions between Hirshfield’s selected pieces.
Many of her selected readings surrounded themes based on the current state of global affairs. In a peaceful wish, Hirshfield explains, “I just so wish that human beings could settle our differences in a more peaceful manner. But sometimes, all you can do is wash doorknobs.”
Between readings, she further elaborated on her own writing process. “I tend to write not in full rhyme or full form. When my engine is sound, I consider it a wandering rhyme.” Later, Hirshfield continued, “I am interested in moods and working with them. It’s very important for a poet to get moody and undone.”
Hirshfield ended with a love poem contributed to her “beloved,” an anonymous and extremely red gentleman named Carl in the front edges of the audience. She ended her final selection, “You are there, I am here, I remember.”
The night finished with the sound of applause as Hirshfield wrapped up her final poetic thoughts. Promptly after, Hirshfield and Hall reunited to host a book signing in the lobby of the Silver Center.
The Eagle Pond Authors’ Series will continue on November 8, 2012 at 7:00 pm with a reading by poet Forrest Gander. The last two events of the series will follow next semester with readings by Jorie Graham and Dick Allen. Reception and book signings follow all readings. Admission is free for all patrons, however ticket reservations are recommended.