Poetry under stars begins Feb. 9

Poetry Under the Stars begins next month at Longway Planetarium with three nights of poetry on the themes of love, rebirth and faith in English, Polish and Arabic.

Poetry Under the Stars began in 2009 when UM-Flint professor Dr. Matthew Hilton-Watson, after attending a poetry reading for Hispanic Heritage Month, saw the possibilities of bringing multiple languages and voices under the dome of the planetarium.

Hilton-Watson brought together local writers, students and professors at readings in February, March and April 2009. According to Cathy Jaruzel, Longway marketing director, the events were, "wonderfully attended."

"Poetry Under the Stars is such a unique idea. As far as we know we are the first planetarium to offer this," Jaruzel said.

Participating poet Jan Worth-Nelson said, "I think if there's any spot blissfully right for poets, it's under the stars. It puts things in the proper perspective. There's something about speaking poems in the dark (and hearing them), with the constellations wheeling by overhead, that takes me back to the ancient origins of our art."

Poetry Under the Stars continues its second year in the memory of Hilton-Watson who died in March.

Three events are scheduled this year.

"Love" will be held Feb 9. UM-Flint Professors Joseph Tyler and Teddy Robertson, an East Village Magazine staff member, will read in Spanish and Polish.

"Rebirth and New Beginnings" will be held March 9. UM-Flint Professors Mohammed Daassa and Jamile Truba Lawand and a student, Ivaa Ismael, will read in Spanish, French and Arabic.

"Faith" is scheduled for April 13. Jan Worth-Nelson and Grayce Scholt, local poets and East Village Magazine staff members, will read in English.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. The readers will be available from 6:30 to 7 p.m. to talk about the poetry. Readings are from  7 to 8:30 p.m.

Visit sloanlongway.org or call 237-3400 for more information.