Quote of the Day: I started writing love poems in high school because that’s what I thought poetry was, says Matt Rasmussen, author of Black Aperture, a collection of poems, dealing largely with the suicide death of his brother and reflections on both the darkness and light of life. He went on to write A Love Poem for Optimus Prime, a transformer, where the imagery leaves us smiling at the thought of him riding inside the car form of Optimus, then transforming to be inside his heart.
Matt Rasmussen reading from his collection of poetry and book Black Aperture at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN in front of the backdrop of Brainerd’s favorite author, Jon Hassler.
We sat in the Jon Hassler Library at Central Lakes College (CLC) for this event. We’re usually in the Chalberg Theatre. This venue fit nicely, a little closer, a little more intimate, like the subject of Matt’s poems. We’re pulled in by the imagery, holding our breaths at the subject, and feeling the pain and confusion of life’s most difficult moments. But, Matt is not without humor. He writes about his beloved Transformers, Land o’ Lakes butter, the inside of a fridge, and pokes a little fun at himself as well. You can hear him read his Land O’ Lakes poem on the MPR website. His poem Reverse Suicide was particularly poignant. I could see the leaves leaping back into the trees. You can read it, plus a commentary by the blogger, at Poem in a Box.
CLC student holding Matt Rasmussen’s book, Black Aperture, as he listens to the reading.
Matt is personable and witty, quick with a smile and a push at his “Buddy Holly” glasses. He seemed to connect with the audience, made up of college students, poets from the community, and a few random folks, like me, who enjoy a good poetry reading on a promising spring day.
Matt Rasmussen signing his book Black Aperture and connecting with his readers at CLC poetry reading.
Up next in the Verse Like Water series at CLC is Juan Felipe Herrera, U.S. Poet Laureate, April 22, at noon in the Chalberg Theatre at CLC. Thanks to the Five Wings Arts Council and Minnesota Public Radio, and the CLC English Department for sponsoring these events.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Do you find writing, or any art expression, to be a healing process?
He looks very personable. Land O Lakes? I bet it was riddled with humor.
It was poking a little fun at our state’s logo, and the butter logo, as well.