Hometown Poetry With Flair

Went to a reading at the Loft/Open Book the other night. Haven't been there in a long time. Usually stuff sells out because big names, or is on awkward weeknights. 

There were still tickets, so I grabbed one to see Hieu Minh Nguyen read from his new book, Staying Still. Didn't regret it. 

Danez Smith and another local poet who is friends with them and had been Nguyen's student, Aurora Masum-Javed, opened with

fiery readings, each touching on local themes and fitting this event in their own different ways. Definitely brought the energy up, even after the opening invocation.

But Nguyen's reading was the showcase of the night. I wasn't going to buy the book, but ended up selling out. The poems had real range, and I loved how local to St Paul yet influenced by the Bay Area and deeply queer they were. Finely crafted as one would expect from the awards, but full of personality and a great sense of humor, humility, and ruthless introspection. 

The Q&A was an interesting look at how he works and has learned and changed over time. People asked good questions, even the one obligatory comment not a question, from a friend. I admit to not paying much attention to the local poetry scene, but this woke me up. I'll be less lazy about getting tickets next time...

Art, and Artists, Are Just Weird

Thinking about an art installation that came to the Walker one time, by Yoko Ono. lt was a ladder set in the floor. You had to climb the ladder. And at the top, on the ceiling, you could barely see one word: Yes.