New Poetry Collections by Minnesota Poets James Lenfestey and Timothy Nolan Launch This Week
Two Minnesota poets, James Lenfestey and Timothy Nolan, are releasing new poetry collections this week.
James Lenfestey’s book, titled “Time Remaining: Body Odes, Praise Songs, Oddities, Amazements,” is published by Milkweed Editions. The collection features poems about art, aging, and the beauty of language. Lenfestey shares experiences and reflections on life, celebrating everything from Bruce Springsteen to the wonders of nature. This is his seventh collection, and he will present it at an event on Thursday at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis.
Timothy Nolan’s new work, “Things I Didn’t Know I Loved,” is published by Nodin Press. This collection continues the narrative style of his previous book, “Lines.” Nolan explores themes of family history and personal memories. He reflects on various moments, like his parents’ wedding photo and experiences from his childhood, blending nostalgia with observation of daily life in the Upper Midwest.
How do James Lenfestey and Timothy Nolan’s personal experiences influence their poetry?
Interview with Poets James Lenfestey and Timothy Nolan on Their New Collections
News Directory 3: We’re thrilled to have both James Lenfestey and Timothy Nolan with us today as they celebrate the release of their new poetry collections. James, let’s start with you. Your book, “Time Remaining: Body Odes, Praise Songs, Oddities, Amazements,” has received early praise. Can you share what inspired this collection?
James Lenfestey: Thank you for having us. “Time Remaining” is a reflection of my experiences over the years. I wanted to capture the essence of art and aging—the complexities of our lives and how language can elevate our understanding of both. Writing about everything from Bruce Springsteen’s music to my observations in nature allowed me to explore those themes in a personal and relatable way.
News Directory 3: That’s fascinating! You mention celebrating life through various subjects. Is there a particular poem or moment in the collection that stands out to you?
James Lenfestey: One poem that resonates deeply is about a fleeting moment I experienced while watching the sunset over a lake. It encapsulates the beauty of the ordinary and how those small, remarkable moments can linger in our memories. Poems like that remind us to appreciate our surroundings and the richness of life.
News Directory 3: Thank you for sharing that. Timothy, turning to you, your new book “Things I Didn’t Know I Loved” continues the narrative style from your previous work, “Lines.” What prompted this exploration of family history and personal memories?
Timothy Nolan: I’ve always been drawn to the stories that shape us, especially those from our families. In this collection, I wanted to dive deeper into my own experiences, reflecting on moments like my parents’ wedding photo, which evokes so many feelings and memories. It was important to blend nostalgia with everyday observations of life in the Upper Midwest, highlighting how those small snippets of time can be incredibly powerful.
News Directory 3: It sounds like your collections both offer deep reflections on life. How do you feel poetry plays a role in processing personal experiences and collective memories?
James Lenfestey: Poetry distills our emotions and thoughts into a form that is both accessible and profound. It allows us to confront our experiences, shedding light on both the beauty and complexity of life.
Timothy Nolan: Absolutely. I think poetry can serve as a bridge between the personal and the universal. By sharing our individual stories, we invite readers to connect with their own experiences, creating a shared journey through words.
News Directory 3: You both will be presenting your collections at events in Minneapolis. Can you tell us what attendees can expect?
James Lenfestey: I’m excited to present my work at Plymouth Congregational Church this Thursday. It will be a chance for me to read several poems and engage with the audience, discussing themes and inspirations behind my writing.
Timothy Nolan: Similarly, I’m looking forward to sharing my pieces and hearing what resonates with the audience. Poetry thrives in community, and these events are an opportunity to celebrate that connection alongside those who appreciate our work.
News Directory 3: Thank you both for your insights and for sharing your poetic journeys with us. We look forward to the events and encourage everyone to attend!
James Lenfestey & Timothy Nolan: Thank you! We can’t wait to see everyone there.
Both authors invite the public to their free events to celebrate their work.