On April 16th in the Poetry Center, the English Department held a Poetry Reading from Professor Eric Wertheimer’s works Mylar (2012) and Regulus (2018). Though Wertheimer’s scholarship in early and nineteenth century American literature is at the forefront of his work in the academic field, his poetry is an endeavor of artistic and personal expression while taking inspiration from his expertise. With topics ranging from fatherhood, the influence of language, nostalgia, the nuance of consciousness, and our presence on the planet, both Mylar and Regulus have the linguistic and emotional capacity to speak to all readers. 

The event began with an introduction from the Director of the English Department, Professor Benedict Robinson. Quoting Wertheimer’s poem, “Trench”, Robinson referenced the etymology and literary use of the word “planked”, specifically in the work of Seamus Heaney. Robinson introduced the theme of intersections between academic scholarship and poetry within Wertheimer’s works, stating he, “resists the heavy language of the past”, rethinking the legacy of empire and colonialism.

Before beginning to read his work, Wertheimer spoke of the refuge he found within Stony Brook’s English Department as a faculty member and his ability to flourish both professionally and creatively. He began by reading from Mylar with the poem, “The World”, which reminisces on a childhood friend of his who suffered from a tumor. Speaking on nostalgia as well as the brutality that can be present in medicine, Wertheimer’s first reading was enthralling and poignant. The following poems from Mylar focused on Wertheimer’s experience as a father, his children’s first experiences with language and how they added nuance to his understanding of it. Additionally, many of Wertheimer’s poems intersperse imagery referencing all facets of the natural world, bridging the audience’s imagination of the planet with interpersonal relationships.

Wertheimer read interchangeably from both Mylar and Regulus with the spontaneity only a poet could possess. Regulus continues to touch on the themes explored in Mylar in addition to an emphasis on early Western history. Another poem, “Ideology of Sky”, was inspired by the painting “Regulus” by J. M. W. Turner, displayed on the cover and offering the book’s namesake. “Ideology of Sky” references the past and the uncertainty of connection, using natural imagery to do so; this is most clearly laid out with the lines, “At the 15th ecliptic constellation of Babylonia, // where horizons sprout horizons, // the gems ambiguate Carthage; // they guide me to heliacal rising of the // morning, and the slunk storm of your brow”.

The event closed off with a time for questions, where Wertheimer discussed his journey with the act of writing poetry and the events that shifted his perspective on language and history. In response to Professor Robinson’s introduction, Wertheimer spoke on his work within academia as well as poetry, saying both fields allow for completely different methods of expression. I highly recommend reading Professor Wertheimer’s poetry, but in all honesty, nothing will beat hearing it from the man himself.