Majorie Maddox, a professor of English and Creative Writing at Lock Haven University collaborated with Karen Elias, a photographer, author and teacher, to publish a book of poetry called “Heart Speaks, Is Spoken For.” Maddox supplied the poems and Elias supplied the pictures for this book.
The pair went to Avenue 209, a local cafe, to speak about their book and answer any questions that patrons might have as they drank their warm teas and coffees. Maddox said that the audience was engaged and appreciative despite the freezing temperatures and strong winds.
Maddox describes working on the books as “a collaborative project in the truest sense.” She says that they worked closely and inspired each other with their works.
However the overall inspiration for the book itself was a cracked heart-shaped rock that Elias found on a beach in Maine and said “I saw it as an emblem about the climate and the state of our world.” This rock became the cover for their book.
This one rock led to the creation of an entire book of poems and photos based on hearts. Maddox is no stranger to heart poetry as she wrote one of her poetry books about her father’s heart transplant and she was more than willing to write some more on that subject and a few others pertaining to hearts.
“Our book includes heart images and poems that respond not only to transplants, but to such wide-ranging topics as the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, domestic abuse, and climate change,” Maddox said.
Anyone who wants to see the work of Maddox and Elias can see both the poems and the photographs displayed for the public. The exhibits are located at the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center, Betsy Rogers Allen Gallery, the Ross Library, Avenue 209 and the Station Gallery and are all available to see until the end of February. However, if anyone wishes to own a copy of “Heart Speaks, Is Spoken For” online orders are being accepted at Maddox’s website .
When asked for any final words of inspiration and encouragement Maddox said, “There are many talented students here at LHU. Join your talents. You may be amazed and inspired by the results.”
Kayla LeBeau
Kayla LeBeauis a first-year Secondary Education major with a concentration in English. She was the Arts and Entertainment editor at Montoursville Area High School for two years and has continued as the Arts and Entertainment editor on the Eagle Eye staff. Kayla has written a variety of articles for the Eagle Eye beyond Arts and Entertainment. She loves to read fantasy, adventure, and Sci-Fi novels, especially books by Brandon Sanderson and Sarah J. Maas.
