Poet Lee Herrick's reading addresses real issues
By: Laura Curtis
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Entertainment
Sigma Tau Delta funded a poetry reading by Lee Herrick on Wednesday, March 18. The reading was held at 2:30 p.m. in the library reading room.
Featured poet Lee Herrick is no stranger to California State University, Stanislaus. Herrick received his M.A. in English from CSU Stanislaus, but this was his first time back in seven or eight years. Being here brought back memories of the school that helped start him on his path to success.
Since graduating, Stan Herrick has served on the Board of Directors of the English Council of California Two-Year Colleges, and founded 'In the Grove', a literary magazine. He was also nominated for the prestigious Pushcart prize and a finalist in the 2000 Los Angeles Poetry Festival.
Currently, Herrick works at Fresno Community College where he teaches critical thinking, composition, and of course, creative writing.
Herrick, however, is more than just a teacher. He is a poet who lives everyday looking at the world from a perspective different than most.
An avid traveler, Herrick uses the sounds of life outside the United States to inspire the rhythm in his poems. For Herrick, the world outside of the U. S. seems simpler and the pace slower. His travels are the source of the title of his most recent book, This Many Miles From Desire.
When asked what inspired the title, Herrick explained that he was -- or was at least trying to be -- in a place where he was free from material desire. It was not his intent to disown the luxuries technology has brought our society, rather he wanted to arrive at a place where the things he owns do not complete who he is.
At the reading, Herrick mentioned that he has a strong interest in history and politics, and it definitely shows in his work. At the reading Herrick read his widely known poem, A 1000 Saxophones. This poem is a response to Hurricane Katrina and the effect that it took on individuals lives. While this may seem like a gruesome topic, he writes in a manner that shows that beauty can be found even in the darkest events. His word choice and directness lead listeners and readers into a world that wraps hope around each universal doubt.
Herrick is a prime example of what can be achieved through hard work and persistence. His path toward becoming a published poet was filled with rejection and closed doors, however it was his ability to never give up that helped him achieve his goals. His stamp on the world is something that CSU, Stanislaus should feel honored to be a part of.
Featured poet Lee Herrick is no stranger to California State University, Stanislaus. Herrick received his M.A. in English from CSU Stanislaus, but this was his first time back in seven or eight years. Being here brought back memories of the school that helped start him on his path to success.
Since graduating, Stan Herrick has served on the Board of Directors of the English Council of California Two-Year Colleges, and founded 'In the Grove', a literary magazine. He was also nominated for the prestigious Pushcart prize and a finalist in the 2000 Los Angeles Poetry Festival.
Currently, Herrick works at Fresno Community College where he teaches critical thinking, composition, and of course, creative writing.
Herrick, however, is more than just a teacher. He is a poet who lives everyday looking at the world from a perspective different than most.
An avid traveler, Herrick uses the sounds of life outside the United States to inspire the rhythm in his poems. For Herrick, the world outside of the U. S. seems simpler and the pace slower. His travels are the source of the title of his most recent book, This Many Miles From Desire.
When asked what inspired the title, Herrick explained that he was -- or was at least trying to be -- in a place where he was free from material desire. It was not his intent to disown the luxuries technology has brought our society, rather he wanted to arrive at a place where the things he owns do not complete who he is.
At the reading, Herrick mentioned that he has a strong interest in history and politics, and it definitely shows in his work. At the reading Herrick read his widely known poem, A 1000 Saxophones. This poem is a response to Hurricane Katrina and the effect that it took on individuals lives. While this may seem like a gruesome topic, he writes in a manner that shows that beauty can be found even in the darkest events. His word choice and directness lead listeners and readers into a world that wraps hope around each universal doubt.
Herrick is a prime example of what can be achieved through hard work and persistence. His path toward becoming a published poet was filled with rejection and closed doors, however it was his ability to never give up that helped him achieve his goals. His stamp on the world is something that CSU, Stanislaus should feel honored to be a part of.
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