“I don’t consider a poem done until this happens,” said Richard Blanco, Thursday, making a vague gesture with his hands to signify the “this,” but clearly meaning: until the poem is read in a public setting. Until the words travel from his mouth to the ears of living, breathing poetry lovers, listening attentively. There will be a whole lot of “this” happening through Sunday at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and other Newark venues, as the 2014 Dodge Poetry Festival — a biennial event that constitutes the largest poetry event in North America — completes its four-day run. For all the festival information, visit dodgepoetry.org. Thursday’s events started out with something akin to a musical jam session: A “Poetry Sampler” at NJPAC’s largest performance space, Prudential Hall. Continue Reading →
