The Poetry Of Norah Pollard,

To Be Read By The Poet

Norah Pollard, the daughter of John “Red” Pollard, will be the guest author for C.H. Booth Library’s next author program. Ms Pollard will be in Newtown to offer a reading from her book, Leaning In, on Sunday, May 16, at 3 pm.

“Red” Pollard was the jockey for the racehorse Seabiscuit, whose story is told in Laura Hillenbrand’s book Seabiscuit — An American Legend. That story, of course, was turned into a very popular feature film of the same name last year.

The poems by Ms Pollard about her father present an intimate and compelling portrayal of the complex man who was the most renowned jockey of the 1930s. Because of her special understanding of him, the poet was featured in the nationally broadcast PBS documentary Seabiscuit, appeared in an ESPN documentary, and made a guest appearance on NBC’s Today show.

She has read widely at venues such as Yale University. As part of the renaissance of Seabiscuit, Norah Pollard’s Leaning In celebrates the remarkable rider of a remarkable horse, providing a more personal view than that presented by the feature film.

In addition to portraying Red Pollard, Leaning In depicts the poet’s passionate youth and turbulent later years. The poems are informed by unbridled grief and ecstasy, as well as fascination with the natural world. Laura Hillenbrand writes: “In Leaning In, Norah Pollard has created a work of singular radiance, an elegant, truthful, resonant collection. It should be read, reread, and remembered.”

At various points in her life, Norah Pollard has been a folk singer, waitress, nanny, teacher and print shop calligrapher. She currently works at a Bridgeport steel company.

In 1983 she received the Academy of American Poets Prize from the University of Bridgeport, and for several years was editor of The Connecticut River Review. She lives in Stratford.

Admission to the poetry reading is free, but reservations are requested. Light refreshments will be served.

As a prelude to Ms Pollard’s appearance, the library will be offering a special screening of Seabiscuit on Friday, May 14. All are welcome. The movie will begin at 7 pm.

The library, at 25 Main Street in Newtown, can be reached by calling 426-4533.