Celebrating Fathers with a Night of Poetry

"Just Wait 'til Your Father Hears This" was the theme for Saturday night's poetry event at the Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center, moderated by North Carolina Poet, Kym Gordon Moore. Excitement, nostalgia and emotion described each morsel of what the evening offered. Susan Didier, Indian Trail Community Development Specialist, welcomed everyone to the center and introduced the artistic collaborations that would be woven into the evening's event. 

Susan Didier

Kicking off the program and performing throughout the evening, was a musical serenade for the audience by Harold Powell, who delivered nostalgic "Golden Oldies" melodies from singers like Ricky Nelson and Frank Sinatra. Powell, who moved to North Carolina with his wife Linda from Maryland a few months ago, enjoys performing at nursing care facilities, special events and has been hired to perform at birthday parties and other venues, that appreciate the nostalgia of Big Band Music and our classic crooners.

Harold Powell sings for the crowd

Kym Moore lit a single candle in memory of fathers who passed away and in celebration of the fathers present. Everyone had the opportunity to call out their father's name or someone like their grandfather or an uncle who was an instrumental paternal role model in their lives. Individuals chose to share a fond memory as they recognized these important men in their lives.

Poetry was read by Dwight Roth, Chip Long, Ruth Roth, Erin Penland and Susan Didier. Dwight wrote a poem dedicated to his late father, entitled "Pop." Ruth Roth wrote a poem dedicated to her father entitled "Dear Dad." In her introduction to the poem, she noted that she searched for a special card for her father, but could not find one that appropriately relayed the words and message she wanted, so she penned a personal one instead.

Chip Long, Ruth Roth and Erin Penland took part in the evening's poetry readings dedicated to fathers.

Chip Long delivered 3 beloved poems, with reflections of his father. These poems included "Play With Me" written by Warren Throckmorton, "To My Father" by William Hamilton Hayne and the poem "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas. Erin Penland read the poem "My Special Joy" by Joanna Fuchs. Susan Didier read an emotional poem written by an anonymous poet entitled "The Hero" which she dedicated to her father who was in the audience. 

Artists took part in rendering sketches inspired by the poetry read throughout the evening. The elements of music, art and poetry made the atmosphere of this poetic event all the more memorable, as we celebrate the men who make or have made an indelible mark on our lives.

Poetry events at the Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center are scheduled for the second Saturday in each month, unless otherwise noted. For additional information about reading or performing at any of the upcoming poetry open mic programs, contact Susan Didier by emailing sdidier@admin.indiantrail.org or calling 704-821-2541.