Reading, Book Launch, Reception

Because What Else Can I Do (Pittsburgh, September 2019) is a sequence of untitled  poems I addressed to my husband in the months following his unexpected death. I wrote them for him, for his abiding presence, and of course I wrote them for myself. At the time, I had no intention of publishing them. But they will be out in September, and this reading and reception will welcome them. 

I will no doubt read some poems from this collection whenever I’m asked to give readings. But at the moment I only intend to give this one reading that represents the arc of the book, which includes my attempt to understand the events surrounding my husband’s death as well as an expression of mourning. 

I’m thinking of it not only as a reading and book launch, but also as a kind of memorial. The reading will begin around 3:15, and a wine and food reception will follow.