April 27, 2011

Poetry reading will benefit local homeless shelters

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Patrick T. Randolph, a faculty member in the Center for English as a Second Language, hosts a public reading from his two poetry collections with the proceeds going to local homeless shelters.

Randolph will read from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on April 30 in the Harry T. Moore Auditorium in Faner Hall (Room 1326). An opportunity for questions and answers, as well as a book sale and signing, follow.

Randolph’s more recent book, “Empty Shoes: Poems on the Hungry and Homeless,” rose to third place on Amazon’s Hot New Release List in 2009-2010 in the poetry category. The second edition of “Father’s Philosophy,” a collection of Randolph’s own work, ranked sixth in poetry on Amazon for March and early April this year.

Randolph donates proceeds from his public readings to charities aiding homeless persons. His inspiration comes from his experience working in a recycling program in Chicago and the acquaintances he made while there. His publisher, Popcorn Press, joined him in donating money from his book sales, and sent approximately $1,300 to Feed America last spring.