Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: News

John Palen, a journalism professor, took time to read excerpts from his published poetry books in the Charles V. Park Library's Baber Room on Wednesday. Afterward, Palen answered questions and signed books for poetry enthusiasts. [Click to enlarge]

John Palen has used images from everyday life to write poems since he was a teenager. The journalism professor draws inspiration from his family, memories, music and other poets. He read several poems Wednesday from his latest book, "Harry Truman All the Way." [Click to enlarge]

Many people know John Palen as a journalist and a professor.

Few know him as a poet.

Palen read 21 of his poems to 30 people Wednesday in Charles V. Park Library's Baber Room, but many of his poems reflect his relationship with his father.

"He was always a mystery to me," he said. "Over the years, (the poems) have assembled themselves into a jigsaw of him, and it becomes a little clearer."

Several of the poems he read Wednesday were from his newly published collection, "Harry Truman All the Way."

Palen's poetry describes objects of everyday life, such as trucks, city hall and people with snowblowers.

He draws inspiration from his family, memories, music and other poets.

Palen began writing poems when he was 13, and about his father when he was in his 30s.

"I was lonely and depressed - a typical teenager," he said.

Palen was born in the same town as President Harry S. Truman - Lamar, Mo. The title poem of his latest book describes the house Truman was born in and its eccentric owner before it was bought by the United Auto Workers.

"It just clicked," Palen said of the poem.

Palen said he is most proud of "Harry Truman All the Way."

"He makes immediate emotional connections with readers," said Matt Echelberger assistant English language and literature professor. "Perhaps because of his discipline as a journalist, John (Palen) makes every word count, he has a keen eye for imagery, and a pitch perfect ear for the rhythm of speech."

Adrian sophomore Aimee Lewis had been to several poetry readings before, but said Palen's was different.

"I haven't heard poems that featured historical events aloud, like the Vietnam War," Lewis said.

She especially enjoyed hearing the poems read by the author.

"I love hearing poetry read aloud. It's 10 times better than reading it," Lewis said.


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