“Any poem, any language” is the theme of “Sweet Poetry,” the Language Resource Center’s (LRC) second annual celebration of National Poetry Month. Sweet Poetry will be on Wed., April 17, from 5-7 p.m. in the Groos Family Atrium in Klarman Hall.
During the event, tasty treats will be served while Cornell community members offer live poetry recitations in multiple languages. The event booklet, available digitally, includes transcriptions of each poem along with approximate English translations.
"We are excited to embrace Cornell’s Freedom of Expression Theme Year through our annual Sweet Poetry event, encouraging any student to read aloud or sign any poem in any language while enjoying delicious desserts,” said Hilary Yarger, LRC Engagement and Outreach Coordinator. “Such an event highlights the breadth of language and cultural diversity in the Cornell community, forming an inclusive space in which poetry readers/signers are free to express themselves creatively in a language they use, study, and love.
“We hope that audience members have the opportunity to connect with others who share the same appreciation of language study and cherish the artistic beauty of language during National Poetry Month," said Yarger.
In advance of the event, said Angelika Kraemer, LRC director, “you can get a taste of what the poetry will be like – but not the sweet treats! – on our 2023 Instagram story showing clips from last year’s readers.”
The event is co-sponsored by the Departments of Asian Studies, Linguistics and Romance Studies (A&S).
