Not all of us are resolution makers, and fewer are resolution keepers. Poet Evie Shockley writes in her poem “on new year’s eve” of a long aching / quiet in which we will hear nothing but / the clean crack of our promises breaking.
Whether you’re a resolution maker or not, if connecting more meaningfully with your creative self or the community sounds like something that might enrich your 2020, consider coming out to Poetry in the Boro on Sunday evening, Jan. 19. This free event at the Walnut House will feature poets Annette Sisson and C.A. Williams and be followed by an hour of open mic.
Annette Sisson is the author of the poetry chapbook A Casting Off, from Finishing Line Press. A professor of English at Belmont University, she was recently named a 2020 Fellow of the BOAAT Writer’s Retreat and winner of The Porch Writers’ Collective’s 2019 poetry contest. Her work appears in numerous journals, including Zone 3, Nashville Review and Rockvale Review, where it’s received a “Best of the Net” nomination.
C.A. Williams is a Murfreesboro poet who has performed at area events such as the Bloom Stage, Under 1 Roof and the Nashville Independent Poetry Festival. He recently released his first poetry book, Different Sides, and is also the author of a nonfiction book. C.A.’s poetry centers around wordplay, honesty and surprise endings. In the past year he’s also shared his love of writing and reciting with student groups at Smyrna Middle, Riverdale and Blackman High schools.
Doors at the Walnut House, 116 N. Walnut St., open at 6:30 p.m. for the Jan. 19 event, with the features beginning at 7. Water, soda, beer and ciders are available for purchase. For more information, including the monthly writing challenge, see poetryintheboro.org.
Also in January
Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center is hosting an Open Mic Artist Night on Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. Adults are invited to contribute music, spoken word or other performance, and to enjoy refreshments and community.
Jan. 31 is the deadline to volunteer for SE-YA 2020 and earn a free T-shirt for your efforts at the annual young adult book festival. This year’s festival is scheduled for March 12–14 at MTSU. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Learn more at seyabookfest.com.
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This excerpt of “Brand New” by C.A. Williams appears in his book Different Sides. Used with author permission.
Brand New
Where I have fallen, now I will stand
Striving to become a better man
Where it was dark, now it is light
Where I gave up, now I try
Not to imitate or duplicate anyone else
I want to be better
This good-bye letter
Is written to my old self
