Poetry was alive and well at the “A Killer Poetry Reading,” Nov. 13.
The event was held at De Anza’s Multicultural Center and hosted by Intro to Poetry and English 1A professor Bob Dickerson.
The poets, Peter Kline and Brittany Perham met because of their shared interest for the written word. They’re both accomplished writers touting many letters and awards, yet they manage to maintain writing styles that are different from each other’s.
“I can’t imagine doing this without her,” Kline said.
Perham writes of family, both hers and others. Her poems find the tender places of love, devotion and strength during tragic times. Perham finds the words to help her talk about her younger brother who is a cancer survivor and shares those words in her book “The Curiosities.”
Kline’s poetry has an aggressive edge that’s challenging and questioning. The passage of manhood and the complexities of love from a male perspective ring throughout his work.
During the Q-and-A session, both shared their struggles as poets in modern society, pointing out that reading is a dying art, which makes it more problematic for poets.
But social media has helped writers and artist gain loyal fans.
“We have a website; it’s made it possible for people around the world to read our poems,” said Perham. “It feels good when readers take the time to connect with us.”
CAUGHT IN THE SPOKEN WORD – Students gather in the MCC building to hear poetry from poets Peter Kline and Perham. (Dorothy Holford/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
