Ted Kooser, local poet and former U.S. poet laureate, inspired the Seward area residents during his hour with us at the Seward Memorial Library this evening. He read some passages from “Local Wonders” and “Delights & Shadows” but mostly just answered questions. He talked about the importance of the sounds of words and how this is missed in speed reading where the thought is transmitted directly. He read his poem “Alice” and that it is being made into a movie. He also read the last “story” in “Local Wonders” which he has read at weddings as well as at funerals. We are very fortunate to have Ted Kooser in our community. I am re-reading “Local Wonders” and enjoying it even more than when it first came out nearly 10 years ago. As I read about the lilac bush near their house, I remember of talking with Jackie about it since they lived many years ago where Ted and Kathleen now live north of Garland in the Bohemian Alps. The house is just across the section from where I grew up, and it has taken him to help me appreciate the beauty of the area.
I mistakenly wrote that Ted Kooser read a poem called "Alice" and It was "Pearl" instead.
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