In this reading and discussion,
Ayokunle Falomo,
Andrés Cerpa, and
Matthew Nienow, three poets from vastly different backgrounds, explore the complications and sharp edges of masculinity’s limits. Notions of fatherhood, struggles with addiction, and yearning for a deeper connection with the self undergird these collections. Conversations around masculinity rarely reflect the complex contours of maleness, the intersecting identities of nation, race, culture, and language of origin. These poets push back against limited notions of masculinity, Americanness, and the very borders of nation and self. Ayokunle is a Nigerian American poet and the author of five poetry collections, including
AFRICANAMERICAN’T and
Autobiomythography of. Raised in Staten Island, New York, Andrés is the author of poetry collections
Bicycle in a Ransacked City: An Elegy and
The Vault. The journey from rock bottom to sobriety inspired Matthew’s two poetry collections,
House of Water and
If Nothing. Following readings from their collections, the poets will be in conversation with EWU MFA poetry candidate
Jed Blore. Purchase the author's books
via Auntie's Bookstore!*This event is virtual and will premiere on our YouTube Channel at the time listed above. Here is the link!Please fill out
our festival survey after you have attended this event. The information you provide will help us obtain critical grant funding and will help make next year’s festival even better!
