By Sandra Tragesser
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Right: John Zophy recites his "Ode to Gretchen M." while John Gorman looks on.

With discussions about the legacy of D.H. Lawrence and war with Iraq, "Evening of Poetry" drew a crowd. Sigma Tau Delta and the UH-Clear Lake Literature Club sponsored the poetry reading at Kenny J's Sept. 21.

The easy-going atmosphere at Kenny J's Coffeehouse, located at 4650 Nasa Road 1, made for a comfortable evening.

Featured performances included readings by UH-Clear Lake faculty and students. UH-Clear Lake poet laureate, John Gorman, professor of humanities and fine arts, acted as master of ceremonies.

After interruptions from the whooshing cappuccino machine and the whaling siren of a passing ambulance, the evening's presentation got underway. First up was Craig White, associate professor of literature, who read from a collection of short poems including D. H. Lawrence's "The Risen Lord" and Ann Saxton's "The Kiss."

He concluded his repertoire with his own work, "Cantabile." The audience sat silently listening to his every word.

Maestro Tom McCall, associate professor of literature, entertained the gathering with a Caribbean rhythm, "El Caminante," on his guitar. Brady Reynolds, a UH-Clear Lake graduate, read three original poems. The audience responded with approval during his reading of "One Pop's Perspective."

Next in the spotlight was Michelle Glenn, a UH-Clear Lake student, who read her own poetry. In "Road Trip," Glenn expressed her fear and excitement of traveling all the way to Montana to see her love.

When asked how the trip turned out by Gorman, Glenn responded, "It wasn't real-just my imagination." The crowd applauded. Gretchen Mieszkowski, director of humanities, and David Day, lecturer in writing, prepared a game for the poetry crowd. The object of the game was to guess the plays that four drama passages came from.

Joni Thrasher, president of Sigma Tau Delta, and Yvonne Hopkins, secretary of Sigma Tau Delta, won by identifying three of the four plays. Each was awarded a prize for their literary knowledge.

Then, Elizabeth Sydnor, literature major, read three of her own writings: "Allegory," "Doctor's Dismissal" and "Internment." "I tossed back the shot glass feeling the slow, strong stream sliding down my throat, my parasitic friend. The parasite crawled out my body; its residue lies in my spirit," Sydnor quoted from "Internment."

Pasha Morshedi, biology major, read a variety of unnamed original poems. One poem about the most despicable girl in the entire world brought giggles and smiles from the audience.

"Remember girls," Gorman advised, "if you're thinking of dumping him harshly, make sure he's not a poet."

As the sky darkened, Jon Zophy, professor of European History, read two original poems. His first poem, entitled, "Ode to Gretchen M." was a tribute to Gretchen Mieszkowski. The audience showed their approval with shouts and clapping.

"I would be an ungrateful wretch if I did not tell you about my friend the Gretch," Zophy quipped. In another poem, Zophy shared his concern about the possibility of war with Iraq.

Shane Erwin, psychology major, took center stage next. From his work, "Wonderlust," Erwin read with a strong voice full of harsh emotion. Gorman ended the event with the recitation of his own writing. In the poem, "Winter, the Upper Peninsula," he contrasts winters in Michigan and Texas. Gorman had the Texas crowd thankful for their mild winters.

Ken Joyce, owner of Kenny J's Coffeehouse, said he did not mind being invaded by college professors and students.

"It worked out nicely, we had a good turn out."

The audience averaged between 40 and 50 people during the two-hour poetry recital.

"I think the evening was a huge success," Thrasher said.

Sigma Tau Delta, the English honorary society at UH-Clear Lake and the Literature Club have sponsored similar readings in the past. It was the first time the poetry readings were held at Kenny J's Coffeehouse.

"I chose Kenny J's because of the atmosphere and the size. It's the only coffeehouse large enough to accommodate a crowd," Thrasher said. Overall, the evening was interesting, the coffee delicious and the entertainment remarkable.

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