An Oasis of Music and Words

On March 3, the Wellspring Literary Series continued with the third of four readings in its 14^th year of bringing Michigan’s prominent poets and writers to Mt. Pleasant to perform along with CMU student writers and local musicians. Yet another enthusiastic crowd filled the seats at the Art Reach Center to enjoy the music, poetry, and complementary Pisanello’s pizza. Jack Ridl, Emeritus Professor of Hope College and Poet Laureate of Douglas, Mich., was the featured reader.

Robert Fanning, CMU Professor of English and host of the series, welcomed the audience, introducing the evening’s performers, speaking of the unifying force of poetry and art, especially at such a difficult time. The event took place only days after war began in Iran.

“It is not only a pleasure to see the community converge joyfully around art,” Fanning said, “but in times like these, poetry, music, art are crucial to keep us focused on beauty and the best aspects of humanity.”

Ridl, a much-loved Michigan poet who taught for more than 30 years at Hope College in Holland, read poems from several of his books, including his most recent collection, Saint Peter and the Goldfinch. The crowd hung on his every word, and a long line of students and community members formed quickly after his reading—to purchase one of his books and have him sign it.

After the reading, Ridl raved about the Wellspring Literary Series and the rapt attention of CMU students and others in the audience.

“No question: that was the most alive, warmest, well, finest reading I have ever gotten to be a part of,” Ridl said. “I have never seen students all staring straight ahead, listening, really listening. And so kind and warm and grateful. And they were happy to buy books!!!”

Members of Well Done, Tim, an indie rock band from Midland, Mich., played a song at the opening of the event, between poets, and at the end. Tobias Plante, the band’s singer and founder, traded compliments with Ridl at the end of the evening and said how glad he was to have been a part of the event.

CMU’s Dominic Tatrai, a candidate in the MA in Creative Writing program was the first reader, followed by Ridl.

"It was a sincere privilege to be able to participate in such a warm and inviting event,” Tatrai said. “Jack Ridl and Well Done, Tim each brought their own sense of lyrical beauty to Wellspring, and being able to share my poetry alongside such talented artists was a humbling—admittedly nerve-wracking—but ultimately worthwhile and fulfilling experience."

The final Wellspring Literary Series of this year will feature a reading by several MA in Creative Writing candidates who are graduating this spring, with music performed by Magdalena Fanning, a local singer and a favorite of the series.

Check out the CMU’s Department of English website, and the Wellspring Literary Series site, for more information.