Poet spreads the dirt of everyday life
by Bernie Scheffler, ne news editor

    A nationally known author will appear for Living Literature on NE Campus this month.

   Poet Jo McDougall will discuss her recently published book of poetry, Dirt, Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 22, at 9:05 a.m. and 10:10 a.m.in the Student Center’s Center Corner.

   McDougall, a native of Arkansas, says she draws her inspiration from ordinary events and occasions and is known for her economical style.

   The English department, chaired by Dr. Antonio Howell, is sponsoring McDougall’s visit.

   “Aside from being very symbolic, her poetry teaches us a lot about the rural area in which she lives,” Howell said.

   Dirt is McDougall’s fourth published book of poetry. Other titles include Towns Facing Railroads, From Darkening Porches and The Woman in the Next Booth.

   Howell said McDougall was selected because her poetry is accessible to both students and faculty.

   “Many students start out thinking they don’t like poetry until they start to read it. Then they realize that there is a message for everyone. There is poetry in our everyday lives,” he said.

   McDougall also has published prose in Paragraph and The Arkansas Times and co-produced Emerson County Shaping Dream, a short dramatic film scripted by her poems, with Don Maxwell, director.

   McDougall holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Arkansas..