"Love Poems to Life"

As the fans piled into the Joy Room behind the church after Immaculate Conception's Saturday evening mass, I was able to snag a quick interview with Al DeGenova.

DeGenova explained to me how he started writing poetry in high school and grew into enjoying poetry readings.

"I love to share my work with people," said DeGenova. "I enjoy the interaction."

The reading was considered a feature reading, where the poets mostly showcase their work and allow time for questions and comments. Judy Valente, a parishoner of Immaculate Conception, has been friends with DeGenova for many years and invited him to join her for the reading.

DeGenova was the first person to recognize Valente's talent and publish her work. The two of them have read together before, and decided to put together a program for their readings.

The poets realized their poetry dovetailed, so they decided to have their poems "be in conversation with each other," said DeGenova.

The audience was introduced to the poets and DeGenova expressed his desire to use his poetry to express himself. DeGenova explained how people often turn to poetry in times of tragedy.

"Poetry expresses things you do not learn at home," said DeGenova. "Recurring themes of poetry are love, loss, and witness. People use poetry to understand emotions they were never taught to feel."

DeGenova is not only a published poet and editor, but a very accomplished musician. He was able to incorporate his music throughout the entire poetry reading. He brought with him a Native American flute, a saxophone, a bamboo flute, and a small maraca.

DeGenova started the reading off by playing a Native American flute to "call in the poetry Gods."

DeGenova's poems seemed to have a rhythm, much like songs. His poetry was very vivid and painted a picture for the listener. He seemed to tap into a new and unique emotion with each piece he shared.

DeGenova is actively working on a collection of poems discussing taboos within society. The poetry reading was tape recorded to be shared on Poetry Speaks.

DeGenova's words of wisdom to a new poet are to "read everything, read constantly, and write everyday."