Author Reading: Erin Clarke, Absolutely Always

BOLD is thrilled to host a reading with Erin Clarke, author of Absolutely Always.

Come join us for a reading of Absolutely Always, a brand new collection of poetry from Erin Clarke, proudly published by Friendly Monster Press. The new collection is centered around love and family, and organized in a way to give each aspect of family life its own space to be considered. Erin's first book of poetry, (Im)perfect Blooms, will also be available. She might even read something from that as well.

Absolutely Always: Poems About Love offers a touching, immersive look at how love fills a home and the ways it can be organized and examined. It’s the second collection of poetry from Portland poet and linguist, Erin Clarke, following up her debut chapbook, (Im)perfect Blooms.

With this small collection, the author explores moments and years of love with her husband and two young sons, while also recognizing her own place in the world and the ways she’s learned to love herself.

Erin’s voice is playful and honest, ever optimistic, studying her life with the curiosity of a philosopher and scientist, reminding us that we are just squishy dream things in a magical world. From the quiet contentment of sharing a partner’s company that feels like “relieved molten freedom” to an ode to blisters as “participation awards”, Erin guides us through a world of gratitudes, where struggles persist, but love is enough, absolutely always.

Erin Clarke is a poet, linguist, and massage therapist. Her first book, (Im)perfect Blooms was published in 2023, and her writing has been featured in Wellspring Literary Magazine, The Pointed Circle, Bellwether Review, and elsewhere. She resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband, their two children, and a very floofy cat.

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to grab a snack or drink. The event will start at 7:00 p.m.

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Event cohosted by BOLD Coffee & Books and Indigo: Editing, Design, and More.