Gena Brady Allen to Read at Duff's in the CWE on Monday, June 14

The next •Chance Operations• reading will be Monday, June 14, at Duff's in the Central West End. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $3.

Featured readers for June 14 are Gena Brady Allen, Eileen G'Sell, and Stefene Russell. Interested readers may sign-up for the open mic first come-first serve at the reading.

Gena Brady Allen is a tongue-tied defender of the senses, usually found behind a camera. Born and raised in St. Louis near the airport, she is comforted by the sound of planes overhead and loud things in general. In 2009, her DIY nature led her to self-publish her first book, Transients Welcome, featuring her photography and words. This will be the debut reading of her poetry.

Sometimes drowning

Sometimes drowning
Staring at bones,
and dry things.
Dry and regal
Dignified bones
Stately even
Come from darkness
Come from wet
Leave dry
Black into black
My heart races
Things in common
Family of Woman
Family of Family
Unanswered questions
Black and blue
Ribbons and flesh
Surviving for awhile
Swimming in trash,
and entertainment.

Avoiding,
I look away.
Doesn’t bother some
But me
My stomach hurts
Don’t need no manufactured feelings
I feel my own shit

-- Gena Brady Allen