Second Verse

As poet Chris Ransick comes to the end of his second (and last) term as Denver Poet Laureate, he’s looking forward to focusing on doing his own thing. But though Ransick says he’s enjoyed being the face of poetry promotion in town, he’s already taken a step in that direction by publishing a new collection of work, Asleep Beneath the Hill of Dreams, a book that’s been four years in the making. Ransick will launch the volume with a reading and release party tonight at the Meadowlark, 2701 Larimer Street. “I’ve done releases at libraries and bookstores, but I thought a bar might be the right place for this book,” Ransick notes of his choice of venue. “Once people get a couple drinks in them, it will make me look good,” he joshes. But the book is no joke; Ransick says the work inside has a surreal edge: “The subconscious is a scary place, and these poems take great risks. I’m letting a monster out of the bag here.” Buy a copy hot off the press and enjoy Ransick’s readings from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; admission is free. Go to www.meadowlarkbar.com or call 303-293-0251.
Tue., Nov. 10, 6:30-8 p.m., 2009