European Ties
These two poets share more than a stunning gift for language and startling honesty and humanity in revealing their personal stories. They also both share ties with Europe.
Colette
Inez was born in a Belgian orphanage, abandoned by the Catholic priest
and young scholar who gave her life. She was eventually sent to the American
Midwest to be raised, but she never stopped exploring her origins. The
title of her eighth book of poetry, Clemency, suggests the mature
and complex understanding she has achieved over the years.
Inez is the winner of many awards, including Guggenheim, Rockefeller and NEA fellowships, and she teaches in Columbia University’s Undergraduate Writing Program. Two new books, Spinoza Doesn't Come Any More and The Secret of M. Dulong (a memoir), are being published very soon.
Cyrus
Cassells, who now lives in Austin, TX, where he is an associate professor
at Texas State University, also spends part of every year in Paris. His
latest and fourth book of poetry, More Than Peace and Cypresses,
reflects his travels in France, Spain, and Italy, countries that have
nurtured him and his muse for many years. The book is infused with memories
of his recently-deceased father, but it is never sad—like Inez, Cassells
turns all experience into poems that excite and uplift the reader.
Travel to new places with two particularly generous and gifted poets.
All readings include a question & answer period and a reception with books by the author(s) for sale.
Suggested
Donation: $5 ($3 for HVWC members and those under age 18)
The readings at the HVWC are made possible in part by a grant from the Bydale Foundation; the David G. Taft Foundation; the Orchard Foundation; and the Thendara Foundation; with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency; and by Westchester Arts Council with funds from Westchester County Government, corporations and individuals.