Our community is lucky to have so many poetry venues within driving distance. Hanover poets attend events in Gettysburg, York, Harrisburg, and Lancaster, at various bookstores and coffee shops. Yet, I am happy to announce some of you may be able to walk to a new poetry event, located in Hanover. The
Convergence poetry reading has found a new home at The Reader's Cafe.
Rich Hemmings, who lives in Stewartstown, PA, has hosted the Convergence poetry reading for almost eleven years, in various venues in Pennsylvania, and with different hosts, including his wife, Debberae Streett. In September, he brought Convergence to The Reader's Cafe, where it meets the second Saturday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
Though some have certain expectations for poetry readings, Hemmings hosts Convergence with the idea that, as he said, "special events make the reading more exciting." This is not your typical reading series, and no month is the same. I encourage you all to come check out his many "special events," including novelists, musicians, multiple readers, slams, contests, and salutes to poets.
Hemmings believes, "poetry is not limited to poetry." As evidenced in his October reading, titled "Masquerade," Hemmings said he allowed "prose and poetry to rub shoulders." Participants read prose as if it was poetry, signifying that poetry is apparent in everything we read.
There are many reasons Hemmings values the venue of The Reader's Cafe. Owner Derf Maitland encouraged the reading series, and provides a coffee shop atmosphere, while surrounding the readers with literature and an art gallery feel, with the bookstore's architectural flair.
Next month, on December 10, Hemmings will host Mike Argento, reading from his recent novel "Don't Be Cruel." Afterwards, Argento will sign copies of his book. Though Hemmings features someone each month, an open mic always follows. Those present can sign up to read their own work, or work they admire by other writers.
Though Hemmings plays the role of host for this monthly event, he also has been writing for 35 years. He starting writing during his teenage years in New York City, and continued after moving Pennsylvania in early adulthood. His father's passing propelled him back into poetry as an adult, and he began attending poetry readings, as well as the critique in Hanover, formerly held at The Reader's Cafe.
As a poet, Hemmings has the gift of beautiful imagery. He chooses words carefully to emphasize the emotion of a moment or a scene. In "The Empty Garden," Hemmings reflects on the death of a friend, who happened to pass away on 9/11. Ten years after the man's death, Hemmings could still ascertain a "scar" in the land where the garden once flourished.
The Empty Garden
Mr. Markle grew tomatoes
and corn, made war with groundhogs
that ate his cabbage.
He died, at 83,
on September 11th, 2001,
but not a victim of terrorism.
This spring his garden lies fallow. Still,
the grass is a different shade
where vegetables once grew.
The land bears scars by memory;
not from hand and hoe
but from an expectation of firm attention.
There will be no harvest and death.
Even the weeds have departed,
clearing the way for a birth that never comes.
The crux of this poem lies in the "expectation" that is never fulfilled by the farmer. The land, scarred with "memory" of cultivation, reminds us of loss, even ten years afterwards.
To hear more of Hemmings' work and his exciting twist on the poetry reading, please come to Convergence on December 10th. The reading begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Reader's Cafe, located at 125 Broadway, a couple blocks from the square in downtown Hanover.
This November, I'm thankful Convergence has found its niche in Hanover. I'm also thankful for the opportunity I've had to serve as Hanover's Poet Laureate. As my term nears its end, I reflect on the wonderful people I've met and poems I've read. If you are a writer who would like to serve the community as Hanover's Poet Laureate, I encourage you to email me at bradyke@gmail.com.
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