Author: Resident and Head Ambassador Fellow, Ashu Arora
On a gentle Sunday afternoon, the International Student House of Washington, DC’s garden bloomed with poetry, conversation, and a touch of romance. As part of the Waldo Stevenson Forum (WSF), which celebrates literature, the arts, and cross-cultural dialogue, residents and guests gathered under the spring canopy for a special American-Czech Poetry Reading featuring acclaimed Czech poet Petr Hruška, joined by American poet and translator Joshua Weiner.
The event was proposed by Nancy Eyl, an alumna of I-House DC who lived here from 2005 to 2007. “I have the fondest memories of all the meals, talks, and fun we had,” she shared. And, it was here—over the breakfast table—that she met her future husband, Bjorn Arp. They recently celebrated 15 years of marriage. With that history in mind, returning to the House for this event felt like a full-circle moment. Nancy not only helped bring the reading to life but also joined in by reciting some of Hruška’s poetry, adding a heartfelt and personal note to the afternoon.
Hruška’s reading in Czech captivated the audience with its lyrical intensity, while Weiner’s English translations offered an equally moving bridge for all listeners. The two poets’ seamless rhythm made the experience both intimate and expansive.
After the reading, guests sipped refreshments and engaged in lively conversation with the poets and each other. Signed copies of Hruška’s work quickly found new homes as keepsakes of the day. From reflections on craft to tales of I-House life, the gathering was a beautiful reminder that poetry lives not only on the page, but in shared experiences—and sometimes, even in the beginnings of a love story.
A heartfelt thanks to all who joined us for this memorable afternoon!
