Grace College’s Department of English, Literature and Languages will host a book launch for Dr. John Poch, professor of English and creative writing, on Thursday, March 19, from 7- 8:30 p.m. at the Morgan Library, 921 Connection Cir., Winona Lake. Poch will read excerpts of his eighth collection of poems, “The Future of Love,” published by Slant Books. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase, and coffee and cookies will be served at the free, open-to-the-public event.
“The Future of Love” is primarily inspired by Poch’s wife and the country of Spain. Its poems have been written over the past twenty years.
“The art of poetry has always and will always be of the utmost importance,” said Poch. “Poetry is the language we speak, especially when we think we might not be able to say a thing, especially when confronted with love or death. Poetry can make a way for us to understand deeply where there might seem to be no way to think at all.”
According to Poch, poetry is for everyone — especially Christians, as the Scriptures include several poetic books.
Poch adds “The Future of Love” to his growing shelf of published works. He has authored seven additional poetry collections and numerous other books, including “Notes on the Poet.” He is the founder of 32 Poems, widely regarded as one of the best poetry magazines in the world, and he oversees Grace’s literary magazine, “Inkspot.”
“Students at Grace benefit from having faculty who are not only excellent teachers but also accomplished scholars and writers,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, professor of English. “Learning about creative writing from a poet whose work is published in ‘North American Review,’ ‘The New Criterion’ and ‘Five Points,’ and by respected presses like ‘Slant,’ gives Grace students access to expansive academic and professional networks. It’s also important for students to see up-close what professional writers and scholars really do.”
“The Future of Love” is available for purchase on Amazon.
