Daniela Elza's milk tooth bane bone is a book that sweeps across the reader's consciousness like a bird's wing. The poems do something rather miraculous: fragmentary yet narrative, grounded yet mythic, they deconstruct and build simultaneously, forge and empty out meanings and images.
Elza, a Portland-based poet, will be at Booksmyth Underground on Thursday, June 13 to read from her new book. The evening will also include readings by Samuel Stephenson, founder of the Nelson Poetry Slam, and an open mic component featuring 10 local readers (arrive early to sign up for a spot).
Stevenson is one of those spoken word poets who gets spinal shivers when people tell the truth. He was nominated for a Champion of Literacy Award from the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy in 2011 and currently teaches poetry workshops in high schools.
Check out this mix of visiting and local talent at Booksmyth Underground, located at 338 Baker Street. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. and Elza will take the stage at 8 p.m. Admission is $7 to $10, sliding scale.