The Penn

Issue date: 3/27/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Landon Garside Edward Carvalho recited passages from his book of poetry "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," inspired by a quote from philosopher Thomas Hobbes, Saturday at the Commonplace Coffeehouse.

IUP doctoral student Edward J. Carvalho presented his book of poetry to an audience gathered at the Commonplace Coffee House at 7 p.m. Saturday. Carvalho explained that the title of his collection, "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short," was inspired by a quote from political philosopher Thomas Hobbes. The quote described the natural state of mankind. Like Hobbes, Carvalho expressed his interest in exploring this theme within his poetry. He read poetry from different sections of his book. The subjects of these pieces varied from wireless communication to real-life wanderings to a modern rendition of "Jabberwocky."

During his performance of "Jabberwocky 2004," Carvalho divided the audience into two participating sides. Each side had its own word to say out loud. As Carvalho read through seamless lines of slang and hip-talk, he pointed to one side of the audience. The word "meh!" resounded, followed by a contradicting, low murmur of laughter. The mixture of Carvalho's poetry and personal energy kept the audience involved and entertained.

In keeping with his poetic theme of human nature, Carvalho showed his own generosity by donating 10 percent of the evening's book sales to the Alice Paul House. The Indiana-based center offers services and aid to victims of violence and sexual assault.

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