The Spoken Word committee of Watermark Art Center announces an upcoming book launch by local poet Erin Lynn Marsh. On Saturday, April 6, hear Marsh read from Disability Isn’t Sexy, her new poetry book that explores the longing, vulnerability and strength experienced while in a disabled body.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the reading beginning at 6:00. A Q&A and book sales/signing will follow. Due to the sensitive subject matter, parental discretion is advised.

Disability Isn’t Sexy has been praised by several award-winning writers. Jim Cohn of the Museum of American Poets says, “Marsh invites us to access within ourselves the truth that Disability lives matter. Her poems are transformational invitations, stripped bare, openings to reflect upon and consider a re/visioning.” 

Opening the reading at Watermark will be special guest Christy Merry of Minneapolis. Merry writes colorful absurdist landscapes that take the listener on a journey, as well as more concrete work that touches on social issues, relational issues and struggles with faith, grief and identity.

Poetry Workshop

On Tuesday, April 9, from 6 – 9 p.m., Marsh will lead a poetry workshop at Watermark. The class is only $40. Register here.

Workshop Description:

Reframing Life’s Difficulties:  How Perspective Can Transform Our Poetry

Can poetry help us reframe a difficult situation? During this 3 hour class, participants will discuss sample poems, techniques to alter a poem’s perspective, and do some writing and discussion of each other’s work. Please bring one poem (your own or someone else’s) that you think offers a unique perspective.

Erin Lynn Marsh earned her MFA through Lesley University’s low-residency MFA program in Boston, MA. She has been published in Post Road Magazine, Sugar House Review, Paper Darts, Emrys Journal, the Hers Anthology and wordgathering.com. She currently lives, writes and teaches in Bemidji, MN.