Writers converge for 'coffee house'

Blythe Meyer
Staff Writer
The usual business-conference-style perimeter of tables in ECC's Alumni room was swapped for several circular, more conversational arrangements as writers of all ages gathered on February 4 to share poems and stories in a series of spirited readings in another Coffee House event. Refreshments and coffee were served to guests, followed by the readings. The evening ended with the writers and audience socializing.

Writers were encouraged to sign in upon arriving, and then names of those writers were called in order by ECC student and Creative Writing Scholarship recipient Matt Fox, who was the host of the event.

“While many, if not all, of those who attend Coffee House events are unpublished and not professional writers, the material exhibited is very impressive and well-done,” Fox said of the event, which will be repeated on both March 4th and April 8th this semester. “Coffee House events are genuinely enjoyable and create a community of fellow writers so no one feels they are in this alone.”

Students read pieces about various subjects. Student Tonya Dietz read her poem, “An Evening’s Work” which referred to her job at a nursing home: "I take your dentures, leave you Vulnerable as an infant—you smile— Three yellow-white teeth Stand alone and glimmer In your mouth.” While the writers’ work certainly helped attract listeners, Fox admitted there was help in attracting attendees.

“The free pizza helps bring in a lot of people,” said Fox.