The Omnibus

Issue date: 11/4/04 Section: Feature

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Each Friday at 10 a.m., a group of Southwest Baptist University students and professors huddle around a conference room table to read poetry and eat doughnuts. This group, known as Author Unknown, is one of 13 chapters of the Missouri State Poetry Society.

Members of Author Unknown gather for a photo before their weekly poetry meeting.

Department of Language and Literature Chair Mark Tappmeyer started the club in the Fall of 2003.

"I became interested in starting a campus poetry club because the fellowship of creative people is an enlivening fellowship," Tappmeyer said.

Members of Author Unknown are encouraged to bring an original poem to each meeting. They take turns reading the poems and then break into smaller groups to offer critiques.

While a critique session may sound intimidating, the poets look forward to this part of the meeting.

"I find great benefit in the honesty of the other poets," Instructor of English Todd Sukany said. "I desire to become a better writer, and the feedback has made a drastic difference in my offerings."

The poets are also encouraged to submit their work to contests or publications.

Individuals who enjoy the "play of words rubbing together" can join Author Unknown either by enrolling in the Poetry Workshop class or by attending the group's weekly meetings. Those interested in the group and their activities should contact Tappmeyer by e-mailing mtappmeyer@sbuniv.edu.

"We are, by the count of empty seats in the room, a small fellowship, but we recognize, as does the painter and the pianist in their worlds, that something special is to be gained here," Tappmeyer said.

And, of course, the poetry is made even better with the presence of doughnuts. As Sukany reminds us, "Ahhh, doughnuts. . . Is there anything they can't do?"

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