Poets warm the night with prose in Galva

By Diana Whitney January 21, 2025

Deirdre Light of Galva reads “Wild Geese” by Pulitzer Prize winner Mary Oliver whose verse is often infused with simplicity and nature scenes. [Photos by Diana Whitney]

Some of the world’s best-known poets came to life recently when the Galva Arts Council held its “Poetry Out Loud” coffee house event.

In recognition of its 20th anniversary, local organizations and schools were encouraged to hold poetry reading events. According to Arts Council President Linda Getter, “Poetry Out Loud” is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

Created to encourage high school students nationwide to participate in poetry recitation competitions, it is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence, and teach them about literary history and contemporary life.

At the Saturday night event, close to 20 people participated, reading classic poetry by such authors as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edgar Alan Poe, Robert Frost, and William Shakespeare. Contemporary authors such as Ogden Nash, Helen Steiner Rice, Lucas Jones, Carl Sandburg, and Shel Silverstein were also celebrated.

Jillian Rodseth reads several works by modern poet Lucas James, including “Hollywood’s on Fire.” A former high school English teacher, she now teaches junior high social studies and is an active member of the Galva Arts Council.

Several read their own works, touching on subjects such as the yearning for acceptance, standing up for fairness, and confronting harmful social norms. Most of the poems had special meanings to those who shared. One person read a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that helped her deal with the loss of her daughter. Another added levity to the night with Silverstein’s classic “Sarah Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out.”

Photographs and bios of famous poets were on display, with some of their famous works printed on the back of each laminated card. “Poet baseball cards!” said one audience member.

Leading up to the evening, the Arts Council’s Facebook page shared quizzes and information on poets, all designed to create interest in the night’s event.

GAC president Linda Getter reads “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. Getter explained that Frost wrote the poem for his friend, Robert Thomas. “When they went walking together, Thomas was chronically indecisive about this road they ought to take,” said Getter. “With Thomas lamenting later that they should have taken the other one.” Originally a light-hearted attempt to poke fun at his friend, Frost’s poem has taken on a more serious label and is one of his most famous works.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” said Getter. “The poetry selections were wonderful, and everyone enjoyed the program.” The Council, she said, hopes to make this an annual event.

A student showcase, featuring Galva High School’s Drama Club’s preview of “Shrek the Musical,” will be featured at the Feb. 22 coffee house, along with a puppet show by younger artists.

“The students have been working hard on these productions, and it should be a fun-filled evening,” said Getter. “We encourage everyone to attend.”

On Saturday, March 14, the Irish band Exorna will return to entertain the coffee house audience with their special brand of lively music. Getter said the band has been coming to the Galva Arts Council in March for many years and fits in well with the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Events are free but donations are appreciated.

For more information on the Galva Arts Council’s activities, check their Facebook page, or go to https://www.galvaartscouncil.org/.