Local poets gathered around the table at the Sea Cliff Village Library for an afternoon of readings, discussion and refreshments in celebration of National Poetry Month.
Roughly 16 people attended the April 18 event, with about 12 of them reading poems. Most read original works, with others reading existing poems they enjoy.
“We really wanted to keep it very light, make it fun and inviting and warm,” said Library Director Camille Purcell. “And I think that’s what it was.”
Topics ranged from nature-centered themes like Earth Day, trees, and fish to ideas about aging and the human condition.
“The poems were really quite moving, all of them,” Purcell said. “They were funny, they were sad. It was really very touching to see what they wrote.”
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the library held roughly eight annual community poetry readings to celebrate National Poetry Month. The library also sponsored a monthly poetry workshop where people could write and discuss their work. Both of these were put on hold during shutdown in 2020.
Purcell said she has wanted to bring back the National Poetry Month celebration and saw her opportunity this year. She began by reaching out to North Shore’s middle and high schools to see if any students wanted to participate. When nothing came of it, she opened up the invitation to the community.
Attendees had the opportunity to read their work, discuss their inspiration and talk about why they wanted to share a particular poem. They were able to read roughly three poems each.
“The voices were different, and some were funny and some were sad, and some were poignant and insightful, and all different,” said Sea Cliff resident Barbara Segal. “So, it was wonderful to be a part of that sharing.”
Segal has written multiple poetry books that are available at the library. She also played a role in relocating the poetry workshop to the Sea Cliff Arts Council, where monthly meetings are now held.
