Michael Collier, former poet laureate of Maryland from 2001-2004, visited Washington College on Sept.
12 to read from his new collection, "Dark Wild Realm."
Collier's former works include "The Ledge," a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, among others.
He was also a contributor to The Atlantic and The New York Times, as well as a faculty member of the University of Maryland.
"Dark Wild Realm" was his fifth collection of poetry published.
Students, faculty and members of the community were present at the public reading in Miller Library's Sophie Kerr Room.
Professor Peter Campion introduced Collier, quoting from his poem, "The Watch."
"'Dark Wild Realm' is a book full of loss," said Campion.
Collier read a few selections from the book, ranging from elegies for the deceased to spelunking.
A question and answer session was held.
"In some ways poems aren't about experience," Collier said.
"They are experiences."
After the reading, senior Jack Nickoloff said, "I don't know what I expected.
I had him in class earlier and that was neat.
He read really well."
Collier remained after the reading for a book signing.
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