Don Bogen, author of “An Algebra” and many other poetic works, paid Mississippi State University his second visit on Tuesday. About 40 faculty members and students total attended his poetry reading in Fowlkes Auditorium in the Union. Bogen, who is a professor of English at the University of Cincinnati and poetry editor of The Cincinnati Review, has four published books of poems including “Luster,” “The Known World” and “After the Splendid Display.”
Although the title is mathematical, Bogen assures students it has nothing to do with numbers or algebraic equations but intimate poems about his life. The book is primarily many different poems written at different times that are brought together.
“‘An Algebra’ is about bringing together broken things. The book is very balanced,” Bogen said.
During his time at the podium, he read numerous works from his book and many newer pieces that are not featured in the book. He recited his poems  “Run,” “A Language,” “Slash,” “Give it Back,” “The Ice Rink,” “Window Song,” “House” and others the audience really seemed to enjoy. Some poems in his repertoire were powerful and inspired, whereas others were moving and imaginative. The poems “House” and “A Language” were especially touching.Among the crowd was Christina Coleman, a junior elementary education major, with whom the poems really resonated.
“I really did enjoy it. ‘Run’ was my favorite because it was so relatable to me. I came for a class but ended up really getting more out of it because I could actually appreciate the words he was reading,” Coleman said.
 The Robert Holland Visiting Writer’s series has been held throughout the years in honor of an English professor whose family has been funding it since 1972. MSU professors Richard Lyons, Catherine Pierce, Michael Kardos and Becky Hagenston were all involved in making this event possible. They usually pick friends of teachers or authors whom they have connections with in some way.
Richard Lyons, a creative writing professor, said he believes it is important for students to see other activities that the school has to offer, such as poetry readings, and not just the typical events most people attend.
“It is a chance to see people who do the practice rather than talk about the practice and also for the graduate students to meet successful writers,” Lyons said.
Bogen’s visit was a successful one, evident by the large crowd that attended and the feedback he received. Because of fall break, no more dates have been set for the next reading, but there will be graduate students’ readings in the spring.