Acclaimed poet Marcus Wicker to speak at APSU
January 23, 2019
Austin Peay State University (APSU)
Clarksville, TN – Critically acclaimed poet Marcus Wicker will visit Austin Peay State University as part of the Zone 3 Reading Series, reading from his works at 8:00pm February 7th.
Wicker has won several recognitions, including a Ruth Lilly Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation and a Pushcart Prize.
Poet Marcus Wicker will read from his works as part of the Zone 3 Reading Series at Austin Peay State University, February 7th.
Original William Stafford “The Land Between the Rivers” Poem discovered in APSU Woodward Library
May 23, 2012
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN – On a Wednesday morning in April, Kentucky journalist and author Carol Niswonger was busy combing through the archives at Austin Peay State University’s Woodward Library, conducting research for her new book on Land Between The Lakes, when she discovered something a bit unusual. Tucked away in a thin, manila folder was a short, hand-written poem titled “The Land Between the Rivers.”
“When I started to read it, I said, ‘that’s it perfectly,’” Niswonger said. “The poem, it epitomized the feelings of that area. It had such an emotional attachment to the land and the surroundings. I thought the poet was someone who lived there.”
An original, handwritten poem, “The Land Between the Rivers,” by the late poet William Stafford was recently discovered in the APSU Woodward Library. (Photo by Beth Liggett/APSU staff)
Austin Peay State University to host reading by Award Winning Poet Marilyn Kallet April 2nd
March 31, 2012
Clarksville, TN – A few years ago, an interviewer asked the acclaimed poet and translator Marilyn Kallet where she found inspiration. Her answer hinted at the stunningly complex and expansive nature of her work.
“Anywhere and everywhere,” she said of her inspiration. “I’ve written lots of love poems and poems about family history, but also about race and history, about the Holocaust and my family.” [Read more]
Austin Peay State University will have Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins visit for a Reading on Marth 16th
February 7, 2012
Clarksville, TN – If one were to rank the country’s top poets (which I would never recommend doing), Billy Collins would likely top most lists. Aside from being both critically acclaimed and commercially popular, he is frequently heard on National Public Radio, and his appointment in 2001 as the Poet Laureate of the United States has afforded him a certain name recognition uncommon for most lyricists.
But attempting to rank poets and poetry in this way is a bit unseemly, so one is forced to judge the man on his work. That’s where Collins stands out, using a light touch to suddenly transform a humorous piece into something serious.
Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins
John Pursley III poetry reading at APSU
January 26, 2011
Clarksville, TN – As part of the Visiting Writers Series poet and essayist John Pursley III gave a reading from his poetry on Monday, January 24th, 2011 at 4:00pm in the Morgan University Center at Austin Peay State University.
Acclaimed poet and social activist Frank X. Walker to read at APSU
June 30, 2010
Frank X. Walker, an award-winning poet, grew up in Appalachia at a time when the area’s minority writers consistently saw their work marginalized. Years later, when Walker began publishing his own poems, he decided to challenge this notion of an “all-white literary landscape in this region.”
“As a co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets and the creator of the word ‘Affrilachia,’ I believe it is my responsibility to say as loudly and often as possible that people and artists of color are part of the past and present of the multi-state Appalachian region extending from northern Mississippi to southern New York,” he said in an artist statement.
“As a writer/observer/truth teller, I choose to focus on social justice issues as well as multiple themes of family, identity and place. I also accept the dual responsibility of existing as a teaching artist and making a commitment to the identification and development of the next generation of young writers and artists.” [Read more]
