Local poets read work in foreign language

The Runcible Spoon, a local coffeehouse, will hold a World Poetry Celebration at 7 p.m. Friday. Bloomington residents including Andy Alphonse, Troy McKinney, Ikranagara, Matt O'Neil, Pedro M. Roman, Allison Strang, Michael Simmons and Bronislav Volkova will read their works. The event, a part of the Runcible Spoon Poetry Series, is free to the public, and after the readings there will be an open-mic session for the public.\n"The poems and short stories are normally broad, really funny, over-the-top and emotional," Joe Bower said, a freshman who works at the Runcible Spoon, 412 E. 6th St. \nEach poet will read either original or published poetry in a foreign language and then a translation of that same poem into English, Simmons said. Some of the languages that will be presented are Spanish, German and Italian. The readings will be 5 to 6 minutes long, he said.\nBoth Alphonse and Volkova are showcased in, "A Linen Weave of Bloomington Poets," which is available at most local bookstores.\nThis program is co-produced by Patricia C. Coleman, a local artist and poet; the Indiana Review, a local literary magazine and the Bloomington Area Arts Council. \nRuncible Spoon is not only a café but a full restaurant. A breakfast, lunch and dinner menu is available downstairs. Upstairs is the café area, where the readings will take place. \nThe Runcible Spoon brings a range of cultural events to the Bloomington area. \n"It has a very modern feel but yet it's cozy," junior Kamala Nayak said. "I don't like coffee in general, but it's probably wonderful -- their pancakes are divine." \nThe Runcible Spoon is actually a house divided into rooms. The walls of the rooms are lined with bookshelves, and there is a patio where customers can sit. \n"It is really a pleasant atmosphere. I have no complaints," Bower said. \nColeman is looking forward to the performance. It is the largest event scheduled in the series, which takes place the last Friday of every month. The next readings are Nov. 28 by David Keppel, Ikranagara and Terry Wisniewski. \nFor more information on the reading, go to www.hartrock.net or e-mail poetry@hartrock.net or call the Runcible Spoon at 334-3997. \n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Irvin at jlirvin@indiana.edu