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Introducing Matthew Olzmann and Vievee Francis in the literary event, The Working Writers Series

A piece penned by Kimberly Von Randow, staff writer, details the launch of the Working Writers series for the academic year, which took place on September 19th. The opening event featured Matthew Olzmann and Vievee Francis, esteemed professors hailing from Dartmouth College, who graced Holy...

Events Lineup: Matthew Olzmann and Vievee Francis Join The Working Writers Series
Events Lineup: Matthew Olzmann and Vievee Francis Join The Working Writers Series

Introducing Matthew Olzmann and Vievee Francis in the literary event, The Working Writers Series

At the College of the Holy Cross, the Dinand Library played host to a memorable event on Thursday, September 19, as professors Matthew Olzmann and Vievee Francis graced the Working Writers series.

The Poetry Walk, a feature at Dinand Library that bridges the gap between creative spirits in the College of the Holy Cross community, welcomed these esteemed poets, known for their exploration of identity, migration, and contemporary social issues, among other themes.

Matthew Olzmann, a professor at Dartmouth College, is renowned for his playful and innovative use of language in his poetry. His works often engage with complex personal and social contexts, offering unique insights into the human condition. At the event, Olzmann shared poems from his most recent book, "Constellation Route," and a new piece titled "Tiger Beetle," which delves into racing thoughts and the unrelenting speed of life.

Vievee Francis, another Dartmouth College professor, is celebrated for her powerful and emotive poetry that frequently addresses themes such as race, womanhood, history, and personal narrative. Her work often merges vivid imagery with deep emotional insight. During the event, Francis read a poem titled "Break Me and I'll Sing" from her book "The Shared World," a powerful depiction of overcoming abuse and mistreatment. Another of her poems, "A Call to Arms," was also read, depicting violence as quiet and requiring careful attention.

Unfortunately, the event was marred by an incident involving a tour group of prospective students. As the tour group descended the Dinand Library stairs, the tour guide was involved, leading to a chaotic scene. Witnesses reported the incident, and it is likely to be recorded on hospital records. Despite this unfortunate turn of events, the incident is significant enough to be remembered in campus history.

For those seeking a more detailed analysis and context related specifically to Olzmann's and Francis's poems in an academic setting at Dartmouth, resources such as Dartmouth's English or Creative Writing department, faculty pages, and published critical essays about their work would be a valuable starting point. Their roles as professors at Dartmouth College support the development of new voices in poetry, contributing significantly to contemporary American poetry.

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