Hearing someone recite poetry over the phone is quite a romantic notion. From now until July 14, you’re just one phone number away from having this notion become a reality.

In this era of social media mania, poet Heather Christle has taken to the good old-fashioned phone call to connect with fans. To promote her latest book of poetry, The Trees The Trees, Christle will read you a poem when you dial her number.

If you read an earlier post of mine, you know how much I enjoy hearing poets read their work. This could be the next best thing to attending a reading. It might even be better. Without any visual distractions, the listener can focus on the sounds and words more than during an in-person reading. And since this isn’t a recording that could be found online or on CD, there’s a personal element and connection that no other form of media could offer.

To hear Christle read a poem, dial (413) 570-3077 before July 14 during the following time periods (EST):

Monday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.-6 p.m.