The local branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will begin their new year with an intriguing adventure into the sometimes elusive world of poetry. At 4:15 p.m. Thursday at the Northwest College Intercultural House, NWC Assistant Professor of English Logan Burns will enlighten attendees on the depth of meaning we are seeking when we read poetry.

The public is cordially invited to the meeting. This talk will analyze the role of the ordinary in American poetry and examine the ways in which we engage in poetic thought. He also will discuss “exclusive refrigerators,” Coca-Cola and “this blue stapler I bought at Staples.”

“We will go on an intriguing experience as we analyze the role of the ordinary in American poetry,” organizers say.

Burns has an MFA in poetry from Colorado State University and a PhD in writing and literature from the University of Denver. His poems have appeared in a variety of literary journals, and he has presented papers on topics ranging from the objectivist poets to composition pedagogy. Since 2006, Burns has taught English at an array of colleges and universities. He’s currently in his fifth year at NWC.

The members of AAUW will have a short business meeting at 4:15 p.m., followed by refreshments and the program.