Three poets to read from works in Midland

Three published poets will gather in Midland to read from their works.

Robert Fanning, Arra Ross and John Palen will read at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, in the Fellowship Hall of Midland United Church of Christ, 4100 Chestnut Hill Drive. The reading is free and is part of an occasional series of poetry readings sponsored by the church.

Fanning teaches creative writing at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. Three collections of his poetry have been published: "American Prophet" and "The Seed Thieves," both by Marick Press, and "Old Bright Wheel," by Ledge Press. 

Ross teaches creative writing at Saginaw Valley State University. Her book of poetry about the American Shaker community, "Seedlip and Sweet Apple," was published by Milkweed Editions.

Palen, a retired CMU  teacher who lives in Midland, is the author of "Open Communion: New and Selected Poems," published by Mayapple Press; "Harry Truman All the Way," by Pudding House,  and "Drizzle and Plum Blossoms," translations of Chinese poetry in collaboration with Midlander Li C. Tien.

Refreshments follow the readings.'