89-year-old poet to perform his work Saturday at Vachel Lindsay Home

[June 12, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- Reflecting on 89 years of experiences, John Knoepfle will perform poems from his new book of poetry, "Shadows and Starlight," on Saturday at 2 p.m. as part of the "Poets in the Parlor" series at the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St. in Springfield.

The program is free. Limited seating is available.

Knoepfle has written 20 books of poetry, including "Prayer Against Famine and Other Irish Poems," "Walking in Snow" and his latest, "Shadows and Starlight." His autobiography, "I Look Around for My Life," is available on Kindle. His poems are in many anthologies and have been used by churches in their prayer services. He tries to write something every day, and his poems often explore the spiritual and not-so-spiritual aspects of being 89 years old.

Following the performance, there will be a book sale, and Knoepfle will be available to sign books. There will also be refreshments and tours of the Lindsay Home.

The program is sponsored by the Vachel Lindsay Association and the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site.

The Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site is the birthplace and longtime residence of poet, author and artist Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, 1879-1931. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free public tours.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]