OCALA, FL – The Ira Holmes Classroom as the College of Central Florida buzzed with music and verse Wednesday afternoon as award-winning poet Cornelius Eady and his band, The Cornelius Eady Trio, took students on a lyrical journey blending poetry, blues and jazz.

The one hour reading and discussion, part of the college’s long-running Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series, packed the room with students and staff, who enthusiastically thanked Eady for sharing his work and praised CF staff organizers Sandra and Ron Cooper for hosting the event.

The Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series, named for the late CF faculty member and poet who dedicated her career to connecting students with nationally recognized writers, featured Eady in his two-day visit to campus. Eady, a professor of English at the University of Tennessee and recipient of the Academy of American Poets’ Wallace Stevens Award, treated the audience to selections from his eight published volumes.

Accompanied by guitarist Charlie Rauth and violinist/vocalist Concetta Abbate – and their service dog Pepper – Eady performed several original songs that complemented his readings, including “Little Boat,” written during the pandemic, and “The Misery Tree,” inspired by a sundown town.

The poems, some inspired by his sister, explored themes of family, music and social justice. Among the works read were pieces touching on firearms, familial relationships and a poem based on Aretha Franklin’s inaugural hat. He also performed renditions of “Emmett Till’s Glass Top Casket” and “I’m a Fool to Love You,” a favorite about his mother and how his parents met. During the Q&A, Eady offered students advice drawn from decades of writing and performing.

“You just have to do it,” Eady said. “You write because you have something to say. Getting it out and sharing it fortifies.” He also shared how his background in music naturally blended with poetry. “I’ve always done music. Poetry got the upper hand for a while, but eventually, I decided to blend paths.”

Students left with signed copies of Eady’s books, including “The Gathering of My Name” and “The War Against the Obvious.” For many, a renewed appreciation for the interplay between rhythm, melody and verse. Those who donated towards the Marion County Children’s Alliance got a free copy of a collection of poems written by Debra Vazquez.

The event highlighted not only Eady’s artistry but also the enduring mission of the Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series, which continues to bring nationally recognized poets to CF.

With his blend of story, song and spirit, Eady’s visit proved that poetry doesn’t have to live on the page – it can sing, sway and leave a lasting echo long after the last line is read.