The venue: The Raven Lounge in Philadelphia, not far from Rittenhouse Square. A scene for unlikely juxtapositions: downstairs, you’ll find board games, and upstairs, a stripper pole. Strobe lights in the bathrooms. This bar earns bonus points for offering nightly drink discounts for teachers (“Teacher Appreciation: Show your Valid ID and get 50% off drinks!”). And on this hot mid-June evening, approximately 70 people have crammed into the dark second floor of the Raven Lounge to celebrate the publication of English teacher and poet Iain Haley Pollock’s first book of poetry, Spit Back a Boy, winner of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize. A local bookstore owner recently informed me that the average number of attendees at poetry readings in Philly—and perhaps across the country—falls between 3 and 10, so drawing this kind of crowd is a major feat. What follows is a series of photos from the book launch party.
Named for a poem by Edgar Allen Poe, the Raven Lounge is owned by a former high school English teacher.
Iain’s host, Craig Irrgang, introduces the poet with Quizzo-style questions about Spit Back a Boy. The lucky winner of the final question receives a copy of the book.
After reading a poem from his book, Iain jokes to an already-rambunctious crowd, You can clap if you want, and the audience erupts into laughter and applause.
Poetry fans at the bar, after the reading. The Raven Lounge is known for being very loud, and the DJ delivers.
Iain signs copies of the book for mentors from his days at Haverford College (to the right of Iain: professor Gus Stadler)…
… and for friends and fans.
Iain with his wife, Naomi, a social worker in Philadelphia.
Writer Seth Pollins experiences a moment of ecstasy while talking with his wife, attorney Karen Magowan Pollins (center), and friend, poet Megan Gillespie (left).
At last, I snag a signed copy of Iain’s first book!