Diverse voices bridging different cultures and backgrounds filled the room as poets recited their works during the eighth annual Poetry and Barbeque. The literary event, originally scheduled to be held at the Laura (Riding) Jackson House, was moved to the Vero Beach Woman’s Club due to impending storms on April 15. But bad weather didn’t stop 125 guests from soaking in the powerful words spoken from the stage.
“Diversity was the intent of this gathering,” said Sean Sexton, Indian River County’s poet laureate and event chair. “Our theme this year is ‘Beyond Water and Walls’ and features three incredible women writers from different ethnic backgrounds.”
The nationally acclaimed writers all amassed prestigious awards in addition to published books.
“Hybridization of our culture is a theme of society today,” said Analicia Sotelo, a Mexican-American from Texas. “I think more than ever it’s important to embrace diversity and remember those who came before us.” In her poem “Virgin” she juggles humor, pain and confusion about being perceived as a virgin in an environment where morals were frowned upon.
Peggy Ann Tartt, a native New Yorker, read “Tuft of Hair” and “The Dying Season,” both evoking intense emotion regarding death and loss. Her eloquent words and passionate delivery put death and grief in perspective as a dark moment in life before a beautiful passage.
Naomi Shihab Nye lightened up the room with her hilarious reading of “The Art of Disappearing,” touching on everyday occurrences that take up valuable time.
“My primary source of poetry comes from local life and random characters met on the street,” said Nye.
She was born in Missouri to a Palestinian father and an American mother of German and Swiss descent. Having spent her youth in Jerusalem and Texas, she experienced cultural differences and weaves the diversity into her writing.
Two teen writers, Karine Dieuvil and Daisy Cabanas, were awarded Teen Fellowships from the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation after reciting their original poems. Several members of the Porch Writers club, a group of amateur writers who meet monthly on the porch of the Laura (Riding) Jackson House, also shared their work.
Authors happily autographed their books after the readings and joined the crowd for a hearty helping of barbecue and lively bidding for silent-auction items.
All proceeds from the event went to the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation, which promotes a passion for the written word through literary programs for writers of all ages.
Article by: Kerry Firth, Correspondent
Photos by: Denise Ritchie
Click HERE to see more or buy photos
