Class News

Syd Lea ’64 reads and discusses his award-winning poetry

July 14, 2022

Syd Lea ’64, the former poet laureate of Vermont and recipient of the 2021 Vermont Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, read and discussed his poems from his book Here on the third Yale 1964 Authors Book Club. Syd read ten of his poems while they were displayed on the screen, often interpreting the story behind them.

Pete Putzel, long an admirer of Syd’s work, moderated the Zoom session that was attended by over thirty classmates and friends. Jennifer Julier of YAA provided valuable technical support.

Feedback from classmates and friends was very appreciative and enthusiastic, often citing personal meaning.

Pete Putzel: I loved every minute of your presentation. Many thanks for your superb work and for your honest, intimate discussion. It moved me deeply.

Tony Lavely: I’m just putting my head against the pillow. I definitely can’t write poetry like you, but I can tell you that you evoked very deep feelings in me, especially about my late wife.

Nancy Lindley (surviving spouse of Clarkson Lindley): I loved this Book Club Zoom. I read his poetry, but Syd made it come alive for me.

Edward Massey: I want to thank Syd and Pete for creating such a great event for our book club. And Jennifer., thank you for your support.

Syd Lea: Thanks so much for orchestrating today’s event. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me.

If you missed this event, you can view the recorded video here.

Edward Massey, who originated the concept of a Zoom Authors series to be scheduled twice a year and was the first author featured in 2021, asked for nominations for our next Book Club in the first quarter of 2023. You can find the list of books by classmate authors here.