'Spoken Word' celebrated by local poets 'Spoken Word' celebrated by local poets (June 22, 2005)

By Renee Batti

Almanac News Editor

Where did You and poetry Meet for the last time? Did you shake minds?

Jym Marks wants to help shake your mind. The Menlo Park author, who wrote the above poem, "Meet," and three other Bay Area writers will read from their works of poetry and prose on Friday, June 24, at the Burgess Recreation Center in Menlo Park.

The author event is part of Mr. Marks' series, "The Spoken Word," which he produces in cooperation with the city of Menlo Park. It's set for 7:30 to 9 p.m., and is free.

Reading with Mr. Marks that night will be American Book Award-winning poet Jon Eckels, poet and essayist Dorsetta Hale, and fiction writer Angela Clabiorne.

Mr. Marks has gained a degree of fame as Menlo Park's barber-poet: He owns and operates Markstyle Center on Willow Road, a combination barber salon and African-American bookstore, and often can be found writing in the store or next door at the lunch counter.

His volumes of poetry include "Jazz, Women and Soul," "Flashback," and "Authentic Imaginations." He also has published a number of self-help and inspirational books, including "Seeing What You're Looking At" and "Looking Beyond What You See."

Dorsetta Hale works as an emergency public safety dispatcher at the San Francisco International Airport when she's not writing. She has published a book of essays, "The Coast is Clear," and a poetry volume, "Twenty Three Poems and a Likely Story," and has won awards for both poetry and essays.

Jon Eckels has published several volumes of poetry, including "Sing When the Spirit Says Sing," which won the American Book Award, and "Home Is Where the Soul Is."

Mr. Eckels, who has taught at Stanford University and Mills College, will read from a soon-to-be-published work, "Messiah People," as well as from "Sing When the Spirit Says Sing."

Angela Clabiorne will read from her novella, "When Past Paths Cross." The book is Ms. Clabiorne's first published work of fiction.

Mr. Marks said he established the "Spoken Word" series knowing "there are a lot of people out there who want to hear poetry." Now in its second year at the Burgess Recreation Center, the series also features writers of fiction to allow a range of authors to read and talk about their work, he said.

The readings are held every other month. Copies of the authors' books are available for purchase and signing, and refreshments are served.

For more information about the June 24 reading or the "Spoken Word" series, call Markstyle bookstore, 325-5257.

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