By The Keystone Newspaper Event drew many KU students and faculty
By Katelynn Humbles
Three local poets—Dr. Robert Fillman, Dr. Brandon Krieg and Phil Ropko—closed out National Poetry Month with a live reading at Firefly Bookstore on April 28. The event drew a large audience, including many KU students and faculty.
The poets read selections from their newly released books, including Dr. Fillman’s The Melting Point. “Much of my new book is narrative in style,” Dr. Fillman said. “I was pleased that my poems connected with the audience.”
Photo Credit: Firefly Bookstore on Facebook (Meta)
Dr. Krieg and Ropko delivered equally compelling performances. “Readings and open mics at Firefly are always special,” said Dr. Krieg. “We are so lucky to have a bookstore and community that prioritizes poetry.”
Students expressed excitement at seeing their professors outside the classroom, sharing personal work in a public setting. “It was neat hearing poetry from Dr. Krieg and Dr. Fillman live,” said student Tim Noll. “The smaller venue led to great conversations afterward.”
Photo Credit: Firefly Bookstore on Facebook (Meta)
Senior Grant Rambo described the event as unforgettable. “It was a truly genuine experience. I’ll always remember hearing their creative voices in real time.”
Firefly Bookstore has become a literary hub in Kutztown, regularly partnering with faculty and local writers to spotlight the power of live performance and communal storytelling.