GRANTHAM, Pa. (March 10, 2006) – Four distinguished poets will read original poetry and offer commentary during “Poetry and Peacemaking: A Symposium on Literature in Wartime” to be held April 3-4 on Messiah College’s Grantham campus.  This English Department-sponsored symposium is free and open to the public.  Call (717) 766-2511, extension 2025, for more information.

Symposium events, April 3 and 4

Jim Daniels poetry reading and reception

April 3, 7:30 p.m., Alexander Auditorium in Frey Academic Building

Jim Daniels, professor of English and creative writing at Carnegie Mellon University, has written several books of poetry, including “Places/Everyone,” which won the Brittingham Prize for Poetry from the University of Wisconsin Press.  His books are distinguished by an unsentimental portrayal of the working class and themes of war and peace. 

Peggy Rosenthal lecture, “Poetry and Peacemaking,” and coffee reception

April 4, 9:45 a.m., Alexander Auditorium in Frey Academic Building

Peggy Rosenthal’s interest in promoting literature as a spiritual resource is the primary focus of her ministry, “Poetry Retreats,” a series of workshops and retreats in which poetry is used for prayer, meditation and spiritual enrichment.  Rosenthal has both written and edited several books, including the new anthology, “Imagine a World: Poetry for Peacemakers.”

Documentary screening – “Voices in Wartime” – and commentary by poet Julia Kasdorf

April 4, 4:00 p.m. in Alexander Auditorium in Frey Academic Building

“Voices in Wartime” is a documentary of poetry and images portraying the diverse impact of war on society.  Upon conclusion of the screening, Julia Kasdorf, professor of creative writing at Penn State University, will commentate.  Kasdorf is a former Messiah College professor and has authored several books, including “Eve’s Striptease” and “Sleeping Preacher,” which won the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize and the Great Lakes Colleges Award for New Writing.

Todd Davis poetry reading and concluding reception

April 4, 8:00 p.m., Parmer Cinema in Boyer Academic Building

Todd Davis published his first book of poetry, “Ripe,” in 2002. Over 70 of his poems have been printed in various journals and magazines. Davis is an assistant professor of English at Penn State Altoona.

About Messiah College

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,900 undergraduate students in 50 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.

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