W.S. Merwin said, at a reading in Portland, that a poem is not finished until it is read out loud. This is true. Add to this the poet who wrote the poem and a new layer will emerge as the poet hangs on certain words or moves through lines fist quick, then slow.

Chris Cottrell has booked readings and events featuring a wide range of excellent readers—from street poets whose verse can only be found in their mouths to internationally acclaimed poets whose work brings joy and heartache wherever there is a sky to hold up the sun.

He will himself read poems by invitation, doing his best to give any audience willing to experience a poem something to take with them, the way other poets have given Chris something to take with him, wherever he goes.