We are pleased to present a Double Poetry Event featuring Curt Curtin and John Gaumond, both accomplished Worcester area poets with newly released books.

The reading and signing will be followed by an Open Mic hosted by Paul Szlosek.

To sign up to read for the Open Mic portion, please email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.

The event is free and open to the public. Signed books will be available for purchase.

Curt Curtin is a lifelong poet who has published six poetry collections: four for adults, one for young adults, and one for young children. He’s also had many individual poems published in anthologies, journals, and three chapbooks and has twice been nominated twice for a Pushcart prize. In 2010 he received the first Frank O’Hara Poetry award from the Worcester County Poetry Association, and in 2019 he won second place in the annual contest of the Connecticut Poetry Society. In 2023 Curt won grants from both the Worcester Arts Council and the Mass Cultural Council to support his work.

Curt taught college English and creative writing for 20 years at Westfield State College, MA, following several years teaching younger students. He has been a featured reader in many poetry venues in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and twice in Ireland. Updates on his poetry can be found at www.curtcurtinpoet.com.

This reading will feature poems from Curt’s latest collection, In Our Name.  The title comes from a poem entitled, “Possibility” which opens: “In our name, We, the state, embrace war without a true account of outcomes, naming only the sins of enemies, hiding our gains behind a wall of flags.” The collection explores themes of violence, human suffering and the predatory forces of nature. While sometimes difficult and painful to read, the poems offer hope for humanity—encouraging readers to bear witness, become “compassionately wise,” and “set aside our ancient retributions.”

John Gaumond of Worcester, Massachusetts is a poet, photographer, gardener, and professor emeritus at Fitchburg State University. He received the Jacob Knight Poetry Award in 2006. His poems have been published in numerous journals, including Poets in the Galleries, The Connecticut River Review, Sahara, Worcester Magazine, The Longfellow Society Journal, The Leaflet, The Lancaster Times, The Issue, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The Worcester Telegram and The Worcester Review. His photographs have appeared in The Worcester Review, Diner, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The River Valley Current, the Worcester Telegram and Worcester Magazine.

“In his debut poetry collection, Finding the Words, John Gaumond stands in the rubble of his ruminations with his talents as a deft wordsmith. His utilization of rhyme and intellect combine to illuminate his subjects, enabling readers to see the world in extraordinary ways. The book portrays mysterious and tragic occurrences of his youth which required assuming responsibilities of adulthood. A noble dignity and sobering acceptance are revealed to surmount life’s challenges. His ekphrastic poems possess a deep wonder and imagination. From tender moments recalling Marilyn Monroe’s smile, to the implications of abandoning the penny, this book fills me with admiration and respect.”

     Review by bg Thurston