Converstion with Poet William Bortz
Schedule
Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
105 S. Market, Oskaloosa, IA, United States, Iowa 52577 | Oskaloosa, IA
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Join us for conversation with Des Moines Poet, William Bortz on Thursday, June 11th at 6 pm. The conversation will be led by bookseller Julia Fleming. It will include time for questions and signing of books. Reserve a seat by calling or stopping in to buy one of his books.Bortz is a husband, poet, and editor from Des Moines. His books inlcude: Many Small Hungerings, These Ties, and The Grief Were Given. William spent time in foster care, in homelessness, and in shelters. His aim is to explore how joy lives in uncertainty and mourning.
His latest book releases August 4th. In I'll Leave a Light On for You, Bortz weaves a haunting yet hopeful collection of poems that explore the body's relationship with joy and grief. From breakage, "This body is meant to break and from its shell light will pour out" - to coming back together - "two hands from two bodies placed/on top of one anoather greater a home", Bortz captures the lingering trauma, but also the persistence of hope and resiliency.
Join us before attending the City Band Concert.
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Where is it happening?
105 S. Market, Oskaloosa, IA, United States, Iowa 52577Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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