Thresholds and Passages: Readings of New Poetry and Prose December 1, 2011

The lecture begins at 12:00 p.m. with a musical interlude by Emily Corbató, followed by readings from our Scholars:

Creative writer Nancer Ballard will read an excerpt from her memoir-in-progress, The Odd Direction Of Heaven, in which a young woman, struggling to make changes in her own life, tries to discover what makes people endure impossible situations. Together with the Colombian poet Clara Ronderos, Mary G. Berg, will read from recent collaborative translations of Ronderos' 2010 prize-winning collection Estaciones en exilio (Seasons in Exile). Emily Corbató will read “The Piano Lesson,” a short story about friendship, love of music and the relationship between a teacher and her student. Georgia Sassen will read five poems ranging from a humorous vilannelle to free verse reflecting on human connections and our relationship to the natural world. Rachel Munn will read from her poetry collection, Winter Street, A Year, which weaves themes of time in renovating a hundred year old farmhouse, raising young children and Jewish identity. Naomi Myrvaagnes will read from her novel in progress, The Third Street Temple, which explores Rabbi Felice Whitman's mission to inspire her congregants to commit to their Jewish heritage.