Embassy Events
American Poet with Slovak Roots Shares Poems Inspired by Slovakia and her People
October 9, 2008
Acclaimed U.S. poet, Carolyn Forché, is participating in the Ars Poetica festival, sponsored in part by the Embassy, in Bratislava October 7-12. On October 9, Deputy Chief of Mission Keith Eddins hosted a reading of Ms Forche's works at his residence. Ms. Forché recited five of her most recent poems: Death Bed, Fisherman, Exile, Elegy for an Unknown Poet and Litany in Krakow. These poems, explained Ms. Forché, were personal and came from knowing the people and their stories. The poetry-lovers in attendance, including many students of American literature, asked Ms. Forché about her inspiration -- and her Slovak grandmother -- following the recital. Ms Forché performs in the Ars Poetica Festival on October 11.