WKU News

As part of the WKU PCAL Cultural Enhancement Series, U. S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón will read and discuss her poetry tonight at 7:00 pm in FAC 189. The event is free and open to the public.

Limón’s poetry is world-renowned and critically-acclaimed, appearing in newspapers, magazines, and books. She has published six poetry collections and won numerous awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. She recently concluded a stint as host of the poetry podcast The Slowdown, which was started by another Kentucky poet, Tracy K. Smith.

Limón’s poetry is well-known for recognizing intimate details to foster connections with her readers. Many of Limón’s more recent poems have been about her love of Kentucky nature and experience. Her poem “State Bird” was written about with Kentucky’s Northern Cardinal in mind. Nature has always been a big focus for Limón’s poetry and coming to live in Kentucky after mainly living in coastal cities was a significant change in scenery. After moving to Kentucky, Limón decided to learn about the state’s natural elements to make the area feel more like home and this poem developed out of that, tying together the love of a partner with the pride of a state symbol.

Witnessing a Poet Laureate read their poetry aloud is special, even more so when the audience can hear within an area that has given them so much inspiration. The U.S. Poet Laureate serves for a one-year term, working throughout the year to promote interest in and appreciation for poetry around the country. The first official Poet Laureate for the US was Robert Penn Warren, a Kentucky native, making the fact that Limón currently resides in Lexington that much sweeter for Kentucky. As part of the position, Limón is currently on a tour around the US giving different talks, readings, and workshops.

Come join us for Limón’s reading tonight at 7:00 in FAC 189!