Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

The poetry of David Ferry

Article By:Marissa Holt and Brayden Varr

Poet and writer David Ferry recited some of his poetry and translations to a small audience in the Suffolk University poetry center on Nov. 19. Although the setting was a more intimate one, the experience was enriching.

Appearing before a predominantly older crowd, teaching assistant Mitch Manning and Professor George Kalogeris introduced Ferry.  The poet was described by Kalogeris as having a “tradition of keeping the words simple and clear” with a “meter always in tune with how people speak.”

After his introduction, Ferry took to the podium with a hoarse voice and strong presence. He delivers his poems and translations in a monotonous voice, but is still audibly impacted upon the audience. Ferry had assurance in his voice and meticulously spoke each word. He delivered a well-prepared reading to an eager audience.


He began with translations of the Odes of Horace, including the comical eighth ode of the second book, “To Barine,” and the 16th ode of the first book.

“It starts so amusingly, [and] then the intensity of the poem is so fantastic.” said Ferry about the 16th ode.
Eventually Ferry moved on to recite his own poetry starting with “Street Scene.” One of the most moving poems included in the group was “The White Skunk.”  Initially, this poem had the crowd laughing, but the underlying sadness was soon conveyed. Ferry’s poetry is often very personal.

“Living and dying, one way or another [has] been true in my poems from the beginning,” said Ferry about common themes included in his poetry.

Other translations, such as those from The Aeneid, were read. Ferry made these old texts easy to understand even if one is not familiar with them. His translations provide a way for more people to be exposed to these ancient works.

Ferry has a well-established career through his work as a poet, writer, and translator. He has published multiple books, which were on sale at the end of the reading. Refreshments were also served and many stuck around to talk to the poet and socialize with one another.

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    PeteDec 8, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    I love the Suffolk Journal!

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The poetry of David Ferry