Poems for disaster relief at Poetry on the Loose

Middletown — Poetry on the Loose will feature readings from “In the Arms of Words: Poems for Disaster Relief” at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 6 Orchard St. in Middletown. Readers will include Amy Ouzoonian, the editor, authors published in the volume, and others. Originally a benefit for tsunami victims, the book has broadened its charitable vision to aid victims of Katrina, the earthquake in Pakistan, and other disasters. Ouzoonian has included work by such nationally known authors as Diane di Prima, Marge Piercy, and Lyn Lifshin, as well as many from the Hudson Valley region, among them Donald Lev, Irene O’Garden, Roberta Gould, MaryJo Martin, and Brett Axel. Martin and Axel will be present to read their contributions from the book. Work will also be read by other area writers, including Marina Mati, Teresa Marta Costa, Steve Hirsch, and Jim Kenny. “In this collection, a wide variety of vivid, poetic voices speak to an unspeakable tragedy,” said Janice Eidus , author of The Celibacy Club, “while simultaneously offering readers much-needed insight into the volatile mysteries of human nature and Mother Nature.” There will also be an open reading, at which audience members are welcome to perform original work on any theme. Admission is by donation. For further information, call 294-8085 or write to seaton@frontiernet.net.