CHRIS ARVIDSON

words and art
 

After Georgann Eubanks' wonderful book launch on Zoom (Rural Astronomy is the book), I rejiggered myself for the reading/signing at Main Street Books in Davidson. Instead of just launching into the poetry after the introduction, I said a few words, just a handful of sentences, about where or how or what the heck the poem I was reading came from.  As best I remember of course. I think it made for a better program, and some of my "regulars" who were there that night agreed. One of the things it did was open up the discussion later about ekphrastic writing, and the ways that seeing and smelling things can be powerful poetry prompts. 

 

The next, and last, reading/signing I'm doing this summer is at the grandaddy of bookstores in North Carolina, Malaprops. I'll be part of their Poetrio Sunday program on August 3 at 4:30 p.m. I don't know yet who the other poets are on the bill, but I will post it as soon as I know. Malaprops is in Asheville, and is an institution in book land around here. I am thrilled to be able to read there. Makes me feel like a REAL poet. 

So much fun at The Belmont Bookshop... it's a really welcoming place, with great places to sit and read and a kids' room upstairs I know I'll have to bring the grands. Super nice owners and Marlo the Poet ran a compelling open mic after my reading. Good words. Good. people. Everything you want in a bookstore. If I lived there, I'd live there. :)

Come listen to a short program from me from the new book "Nobody Cares What You Think" and bring your own new stuff to share. Or, just come listen!

Coming up Friday, May 16, at That's Novel Books, Camp North End -- CHARLOTTE POETS READ. The buds will be there:  Isaac Akanmu, Jay Ward, Ro Sue, Cole Kissam, and ME. Followed by an open mic. Show begins at 6:00 p.m. - that's when you need to sign up for the open mic. Come on out to Camp North End and That's Novel Books, an excelent place for writers and readers. We will be having fun. 

My Park Road Books reading yesterday was FUN FUN FUN. Very respectable turnout that included all my walking posse, many writing buddies, and even author Judy Goldman who is such a fantastic listener and reviewer of such things. It was a big honor and I think people really liked it. We wrote a poem together during the reading, everyone writing one line each and here it is below. That was the shennanigans part of the afternoon I had promised. 

 

THIS IS WHAT I SAW YESTERDAY: IT MADE ME THINK

 

To call my mother, to giver a copy of the picture I had taken of my little one's smile

And I thought about "fleeting"

A dog barking at the leaf blower, ferosiously, as though his life depended on it.

A woman in the ugliest shirt I've ever seen, flapping bright-pink in the breeze

Seemed lost in the city or lost in thought...

How do the birds know to be silent when a predator is near?

Probably because they will hear them

They puff themselves up and fly past their fear

Up, up, up

Around the corner, up the stairs. Don't fall

Or not, just let go you might fly.

But before you go take off your clothes your skin your teeth

Hydrate and floss. You'll be glad you did.

I saw a player fall over 200 picks beyond his expected NFL Draft spot. It made m find out why.

I watched 200 people get excited over 6 students sharing what their school meant to them...they pulled out their checkbooks.

You guys, please come see me at Park Road Books, Sunday, April 27, 2:00 p.m.  There will be reading. There will be signing. There will be some kind of shenanigans. BE THERE! Park Road Books is in Charlotte at the Park Road Shopping Center: 4139 Park Road. 

Drop in at  That's Novel Books on Saturday March 22 from Noon - 3:00 p.m. for a book signing of "Nobody Cares What You Think." It's a fabulous store for the writing/reading community at Camp North End. You'll love the vibe, have lots of great used and new books to peruse, and can hang out with me!

Come on out and hear the writers published in Kakalak Journal 2024 - including ME!  

 

I'll have books to buy and I'll sign any you want to bring, too. AND REMEMBER, I will write ANYTHING you want me to in your book :)

 

February 26: Waterbean
Waterbean Poetry Night at the Mic
Waterbean Coffee, 9705 Sam Furr Rd, Suite A, Huntersville, NC
Wednesday, February 26, 7–9 p.m.

 

Friday night, February 14, 6-9:00 p.m. Charlotte Art League Gallery -- COME ON OUT for some great art and words fun. I will be launching my poetry collection "Nobody Cares What You Think" AND we're opening LATRINA EKPHRASTIC, an exhibit of Charlotte Art League resident artists and accompanying words in the Art League Gallery bathrooms. There will be readings, signings, book selling, and refreshments. It's all free! The brief program will begin at 7:15.