Topeka, Kan. – Dr. Jericho M. Hockett, director of assessment and associate professor of psychology for Washburn University, has written her first book of poetry, “In the Bodies.” The Washburn University English Department will host a poetry reading and book release party 3 – 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 in Carole Chapel on the Washburn University campus to celebrate the book release. Hockett will read from her book, refreshments will be served and copies of the book will be available to purchase. This event is free and open to the public.
“’In the Bodies’ is a collection of poetry exploring shapeshifting. The poems investigate possibilities of mutual transformation, as our relational encounters with others co-create meaning, poetry, environment and even our bodies,” said Hockett. “What might we co-create when we press against the taught borders of body, of place, of time, of what is accepted as possible and holy?
“These poems press, inviting readers to get in the bodies of other creatures, people and places—to taste what melts their tongues, feel their bone breaks, cry through their eyes, sense the world rotating through their dirt and updrafts, shift shape and maybe sprout new growth together in shared gardens.”
The book is being published by Unsolicited Press.
About Dr. Jericho Hockett
Hockett's roots are in the Southwest Kansas farm, while she blooms in Topeka with her family. She is a poet, social psychologist, teacher, forever student and dreamer, most whole in nature. Hockett earned her associate degree from Seward County Community College, and her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from Kansas State University. Some of her poems appear in or are forthcoming from Drunk Monkeys, Earth’s Daughters, Yellow Arrow Journal, Coffin Bell and Pilgrimage Magazine. Her chapbook “Rituals for Dissolution” is forthcoming (Eastern Iowa Review/Port Yonder Press). More works are always brewing. You can follow her on Instagram @jerichomariette.
- 30 -
For further information, contact:Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications and Brand Management
Telephone: (785) 670-2153
Cell: (785) 230-1648
Email: joy.bailes@washburn.edu
