May 12, 1997

Four years ago this April, on the east side of town, Liquid Poetry was born - created by Kelle Groom in an effort to actively promote local poets and invite well-known poets from all over the country to read their works. The Wednesday night readings held at Java Jabbers have continually fostered a sense of community and inspiration for artists of all media in the Orlando area, and the visiting poets have become increasingly famous as the Liquid Poetry Series builds momentum and gains national recognition.

While visiting Florida as the Master Artist in Residence at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, David Lehman, a New York City born and bred poet, editor and critic, will visit Orlando twice: Java Jabbers on Wednesday, May 14, to read his poetry with the Associate Artists in Residence at the ACA and on Wednesday, May 28, at CB&S Bookstore to lead a discussion entitled, "The Craft of Poetry: Daily Poems." Being the founding series editor for the Best American Poetry Anthologies and the author of three volumes of his own poetry, he's got his thumb on the pulse of the national poetry scene. I had the pleasure (and zany adventure) of speaking with him about his work as of late and his thoughts on the nature of writing in general.

Enjoy the ride - and call 382-1617 (ask for Jodie or Kelle) for more information about the readings.

Jodie Marion I teach Composition at UCF while also studying for my Master's degree, which should be completed--hopefully--before the turn of the century. In the meantime I write for the Central Florida Hispanic (Education section) and especially dig reading Lawrence Durrell. Other Articles I've Written