UUFDC Friend Jack Redell will share his sometimes earthy, always poignant poetry October 13, 7 PM, in the next Dickinson Poetry Series event.

Born and raised in Chicago, John Patrick Redell worked as a construction engineer/surveyor for thirty-some years before retiring to live most of the time in Door County. His schooling early on was mostly engineering that left little room for the more artistic endeavors. On his own in the 1950’s, he became interested in science fiction and then discovered the writings of the Beats. When he realized that writing didn’t have to be as structured as he had previously been taught, he began experimenting with words more extensively in the 1960’s. Nothing seemed to impress his friends at that time, so he let things simmer until he retired. The quietness of a less hectic lifestyle is more conducive to the hobby of writing than the madness of the big city life.

His attempts at writing often lead to dark places that he blames on his cynical and skeptical view of contemporary life. Reading in public for less than two years, he feels. “With a little more practice and hanging out with established poets, I will eventually achieve international fame!”

He added, “I go by the name of Jack, which is one of the nicer things I have been called!”

An open mic opportunity will follow Jack’s reading as well as a reception at the conclusion. Copies of the UUFDC-published No Breath Is Lost, a compilation of poems from last season’s Dickinson Series, is available for purchase.