Conrad is the host of “Conrad’s Corner,” WYSO-FM’s (91.3) short poetry segments that air on the Yellow Springs-based National Public Radio station. “Conrad’s Corner” has become a beloved staple for poets and poetry lovers alike; his readings of a poem air on weeknights at 7:59 p.m. and another one airs on Saturday at 2:20 p.m. (Go online to www.wyso.org/programs/conrads-corner to learn more about his program and hear him read poems.)
“Starting out, someone wanted to tag me ‘poet in residence.’ But I’m not a poet. Of course, I’ve written a few poems … but they’re pretty bad,” Conrad says with a chuckle. “I prefer to share my love of poetry and other people’s poems. So my nickname is now ‘poetry conduit.’ I’ll accept that!”
Conrad has been “poetry conduit” at WYSO, via “Conrad’s Corner,” a name he picked because he likes alliteration, for 20 years, since his first airing April 3, 1993.
“I retired from 30 years of being a professor of English at Wittenberg University in 1991. There, I taught composition, other English classes, and poetry,” Conrad says. “I didn’t mind giving up composition, but I really missed sharing my love of poetry.”
So, already an avid WYSO listener — Conrad resides in Springfield — he made an appointment with the director of programming. He gave poetry readings on a program for retired adults, then on other programs, and finally had his own half-hour program on Sundays.
“We discovered that was a bit too long, so agreed that I would do brief poetry readings — a minute and a half — to air at the end or start of programs,” he says. “I became a voice in between.”
Conrad’s love of poetry began early, at his mother’s gentle encouragement. She spoke Pennsylvania Dutch, he explains, and recited rhymes for him. “They stuck,” he says. “Poetry in general sticks in my mind; I don’t have to work at memorizing it. It just lives in my head. I can find lines of poetry in my mind for most any situation, and that helps give meaning to my experiences.”
Conrad earned degrees in English through Muhlenberg College (B.A.), Lehigh University (M.A.) and Cornell University (PhD) before teaching in various locations, and then settling at Wittenberg University in 1961.
“My students would sometimes be concerned that they wouldn’t understand poetry,” Conrad says. “Yet, they could quote song lyrics. I’d tell them that good lyrics are poetry — both come from emotion, have pattern, use metaphor, simile and so on. My most popular course was ‘From Beowulf to the Beatles.’ ”
Since this is National Poetry Month, I asked him how readers who are similarly intimidated by poetry should approach reading and learning about poetry.
“I like to battle the idea that poetry has to be obscure,” Conrad says. “It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. So, I’d suggest readers find some poems, perhaps in the poetry section of the library or in a local magazine such as Mock Turtle Zine, and read poems aloud. I believe poetry is meant to be heard, not just read silently.”
“And poetry isn’t for everyone,” Conrad adds. “That’s OK. But it is for a lot of people, and I encourage everyone to give it a chance. Poems can speak to the heart and soul. If you give it a try, and it speaks to you in that way, then be good to yourself — and read some more!”
Other Literary Life News
• Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.: In celebration of National Poetry Month, Wright State University Faculty and Friends will present “An Evening of Original Poetry” at Books & Co. at The Greene (Beavercreek), with readings by local poets Albino Carrillo, Erica DeWeese, Ken Haponek, Dennis Loranger, Cynthia Marshall, and Drew Strombeck.
• Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: The Dayton Book Expo will be held in the Great Hall at Sinclair Community College’s Ponitz Conference Center-Building 12, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, and will feature numerous regional authors, sessions for aspiring writers, spoken-word event, and activities for children. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
• Saturday, April 27, noon: The American Association of University Women-Middletown Book Club will hold an author luncheon open to the public, featuring Martha Moody, author of Sharp and Dangerous Virtues and many other novels, who will speak on “Wise Women Make a Difference.” The luncheon will be held at Brown’s Run Country Club (6855 Sloebig Road, Middletown); cost is $20.00 and reservations may be made by calling 513-424-5458.
• Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m.: Popular and beloved author Eric Jerome Dickey will introduce his newest romance, Decadence, at Books & Co. at The Greene (Beavercreek); line numbers start at 1:00 p.m.
• Sunday, April 28, 8 p.m.: Gem City Poetry Stage will host a reading with Rose Smith, a published poet with three chapbooks and director of the Columbus poetry workshop, Salon, at Ghostlight Coffee, 1201 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Following Rose’s reading will be an open mic for poets to share their work.
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