Introducing Mother Daughter Poet Laureates

Attention all poetry buff's, Valley Writers Series hosts poets laureate. Introducing the mother daughter duo, Ruth Krueger and Amy Earls. Come one, come all, and be intrigued with words.

Student poets laureate Ruth Krueger and Amy Earls shared their poetry at the Benton Center on February 12, 2014, and the reading began at 7:30 pm. The reading was held in Natalie Daley’s classroom BC-244. The Valley Writers series was free and open to the public and was sponsored by the English Department.

Krueger was named the fourth poet laureate in 2011 after following her daughter’s footsteps. When asked what inspires you, Krueger said, “Life and nature are one in the same.” Krueger said, "Mary Oliver as her favorite poet." A few poems that were read by Krueger were: "Sailing", "Pretending", and "Slipping." Krueger's poems were about her loss of loved ones. Each poem was filled with emotion and passion. She took the audience on a journey through her eyes.

Krueger was an active member of the poetry club here on campus. The poetry club was created in 2008 by Robin Havenick. Poetry club is a relaxed environment to continue learning skills and learning from others. During the poetry club meetings people take turns reading, praising the poet, and expressing feelings the were evoked from the readings. During the reading, Krueger read from a book called, "Ekphrasis." It had many poems in it, including pictures. Each poem was an inspiration for her own poetry.

Earls, became second poet laureate at Linn Benton Community College in 2009. When asked what inspires you, Earls said, “Nature and having a deep appreciation for music” inspires her poetry. Like her mother, Earls said, "Mary Oliver is my favorite poet." Poems that were read by Earls were: "Prayers to Grass", "Floating Down Rivers", and "Swings." Earls poems were about her own experiences and how she remembered them. Earls poem "Swings" was a reflection of most children's childhoods. You could feel the chains from the swing in your grasp. She took us to that swing set that day with her sister. During Earls reading, she shared her memoir which remains unnamed and referred to as roman number one.

The reading at the Benton Center was Krueger and Earls first reading together. Nevertheless their poetry flowed nicely together. Their poetry expressed loss and love, sadness and triumph. A student from Linn Benton Community College who attended the reading was Rebecca Chandler. Chandler said, “I enjoy poetry because it is beautiful.”

Robin Havenick, Jeff Davis, Jane White, Natalie Daley, Daley's ENG106 class, Earls' husband and daughter Haven attended this special mother daughter reading. Each poem received a great appreciation from the audience. It felt like the poems were alive and we we're along for the ride. The mother daughter duo took turns reading. One poet would read a poem or two and then the other would do that same. It kept the audience engaged. The poets stood behind a music book stand with a  bouquet of flowers to the right.

What is poetry? It is literary work in which special intensity is given to the expressions and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm. The next time you don't have the right words, think about your feelings. Poetry is an outlet for those scattered thoughts in ones mind. Share them in poetic way.

At the end of the readings there was a loud roar of applause for Krueger and Earls. Both poets shared amazing pieces. After the readings questions were asked and answered. Then one final round of applause and the reading was over.

At a glance box:

Who: Ruth Krueger and Amy Earls

What: LBCC Valley Writers Series

Where: Benton Center Room BC-244, 757 NW Polk Ave. Corvallis OR

When: February 12, 2014

Contact: Jane White, ddjane@peak.org

Phone: 541-917-4577