CU Hosts Marc Harshman

In the poem “The Wasteland,” writer T.S. Eliot said “April is always the cruelest month.” April also happens to be National Poetry Month. It is designed not just as a celebration of the poetic spirit, but also as a way to engage and educate people in the ways of poetry. To that end, Concord University was pleased to present Marc Harshman on April 15, 2016. He was hosted inside the Wilkes Family Chapel at University Point. Harshman is perhaps one of the most critically acclaimed writers still living in West Virginia, serving as West Virginia’s poet laureate for about four years since the death of Irene McKinney, the previous poet Laureate for the state. 

    Harshman was born in Indiana, though most of his adult life has been spent in and around the Mountain State. He graduated from Bethany College in 1973 and later earned a Master’s Degree from Yale Divinity School in 1975. He would follow this with another Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1978. Before he began his career as a writer, he was a school teacher at Sand Hill School, a Marshall County school notable for being one of the last three-room schools still functioning in America. 

    Harshman is the author of over 11 books and has also published several anthologies of poetry. His picture book, “The Storm,” received a Junior Library Guild selection, was a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, chosen as a Children’s Book Council Notable Book for Social Studies, and was a 1995 Parent’s Choice Award recipient. Booklist described “The Storm” as “a knowing book that will speak to all children about self-image and hard-won success.” In addition, his picture book, “Only One,” was featured in the hit educational television program “Reading Rainbow.” He has also been featured in such publications as The Newport Review and Cricket Magazine. 

    During his presentation, Harshman talked at great length about what poetry is and what is its purpose. Harshman said that he thinks that poetry exists in everything, from commercial jingles to the greatest works of literature ever composed by men. “If you have ever sang a church hymn,” he said, “Then you have recited poetry.” He also agreed with the great 17th century poet John Dryden, who said “The Purpose of [Poetry] is delight.” After saying this, however, Harshman was quick to add that poetry is able to evoke all kinds of emotions from a reader or listener, and then read some of his favorite poems to prove his point. After his discussion, he went into detail about how he works and how he is able to get so many of his writings published. Harshman emphasized practice for the aspiring writer. For National Poetry Month, Harshman has challenged himself to write at least one poem every day for all of April.  In addition, he also said that, in his experience, the old fashioned way of getting published is still the best and the most effective. He said that when it comes to getting a work published, a writer should knock on as many doors as they can, and eventually one will open up. 

    After this, he showed off some of what he has been working on. His most recent work, a children’s picture book, titled “One Big Family,” was released last month, and is available wherever books are sold. He also read some of his stories aloud. He closed with a recitation of his poem, “A Song for West Virginia,” which was commissioned by the state government to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the state. All in all, Harshman’s visit was a testament to the creativity those of the Mountain State have. Marc Harshman can be reached via email at: marcharshman@hotmail.com