10/3: POETRY IN THE GARDEN

Nature inspiring poetry is nothing new. The first poem ever written was most likely generated by someone’s awe of a sunset or a meadow filled with flowers. Nature themes run through the recorded history of poetry, so there’ll be a fertile field to explore when CWRU’s Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens join forces to host Poetry in the Garden, a three-hour poetry reading and discussion of how poetry responds to nature and the environment. Harvard professor Joanna Klink is the keynote speaker; others participating include Oberlin assistant professor of creative writing Kazim Ali, director of the Cleveland State poetry center Michael Dumanis, Hiram College assistant professor of English Mary Quade and CWRU assistant professor of English Sarah Gridley. They’ll also sign their books, which will be available for sale. The event runs from 2-5 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden (11030 East Blvd.). It’s free with garden admission, but reservations are required. Go to bakernord.org or call 217.707.2845 for more info. — Anastasia Pantsios