Fantastic reading

Last night, March 12, 2009, five readers from the Thursdays chapbook brought their work to Rhizome cafe in Vancouver. The Writer’s Studio reading series was graciously hosted by Jane Mellor, who welcomed Kazakh poet Akerke Mussabekova, Charlotte Morganti and Clarissa Green to the first half of the bill. John Chen started the Thursdays slate with the shortest poem in the English language, “Life,” pointing out that the two-word poem is  a one-word poem in Chinese, with a two-word title. Congratulations to Dr. Chen on the publication of his book “The Influence of Taosim on Asian-Canadian Writers,” (Edwin Mellen Press). James “Man About Town” McLean brought the house down with his wry humour and visual aids, reading his piece, about Lotto Day and handing out the 24 Hours Paper, in full uniform. Joan Morelli’s heartfelt reading of “Pain Street,” and “Day of the Dead,” showcased her performer’s voice and deeply moved the audience. Tom Quirk read new work, saying the class at Carnegie has brought him out of a fallow period. He read an excerpt of a chapter in progress about debauched artists, a hilarious send-up. Elee Kraljii Gardiner read a new poem, also fruit from the Thursdays vine,  and was happy to welcome ElJean Dodge to the open mike portion to share a beautiful piece about meadows. In the full audience was Joy Kagawa House Writer-in-Residence John Asfour, who has offered to come speak to the class.