By Christine Schaefer | Daily Reporter
GREENFIELD — James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum celebrated April as National Poetry Month with an open mic poetry reading in Lizabuth Ann’s kitchen last Friday night.
James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum coordinator Stacey Poe introduced the event as the first event of a season that will include art exhibits, a pixy and goblin tea party, live music, film, book discussions, a Riley birthday celebration and Halloween and Christmas events.
With more than 20 in attendance, and snacks and drinks available at the back of the room, Hancock County poets rose and took the podium to share hearts and memories with those who came to listen.
Sharon Beemer, one of the organizers of the event, kicked things off with a poem she wrote for her husband. Paul Norton followed with several poems written for his wife. Teresa Holland, monthly columnist for the Greenfield Daily Reporter, read a poem and a haiku she’d written about flowers. Other contributors included Shannah Brinley, Larry Huston, H. John Schaefer and Susan Winer.
Between groups of readings, Riley Home and Museum docent Phyllis Arthur gave away mini-candy bars to audience members who were able to answer trivia questions about poetry, such as naming the longest known poem (“Beowulf”) and how many lines of text are there in a sonnet (14). Door prizes were also given away to several lucky attendees.
The evening ended with William Beckman reading a poem called “The Swan,” written by his wife who had recently passed.
The next event at the Riley Home is “The Art of Charlie Parish,” opening May 14. For more information, visit jwrileyhome.org.
