On July 7^th, the American Studies Resource Center at An-Najah University hosted the American Poet Mike Liebler from Detroit, Michigan in the United States. Attendees included Mrs. Dana Adas, Instructor at the English Department, Mr. Vinn Traverse from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, Dr. Ayman Nazzal, Director of the American Studies Resource Center at An-Najah, as well as a number of English majors.

At the beginning of the meeting Dr. Nazzal first welcomed the guest to An-Najah and introduced him to the audience. The American Poet then presented some of his poetry in front of the students along with some musical pieces; students were also asked to make some poetic pieces.

Mr. Liebler also tried to explain to the attendants the technical methods he uses in his poetry and the subjects he addresses in his poems such as nature and geographic sites in the United States. He said that it is not difficult for a person to compose a poem but what is difficult is to become a famous poet. In order for a poet to become famous, he/she must compose at least 100 poems and publish at least 10 in international journals.

Mr. Liebler is the author of several books of poetry including the 2001 finalist for The Paterson Poetry Prize and winner of The 2001 Wayne State University Board of Governors’ Award for Written in Rain: New and Selected (2000) and The Moon A Box which received The 2005 Paterson Poetry Award of Excellence.

Much of Liebler’s work has been published in both national and international journals and reviews and he has recorded compact discs of poetry and music with such well-known musicians as Al Kooper, Country Joe McDonald, Jorma Kaukonen, Mike Watt, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix and his own Magic Poetry Band.  In addition, he has read and performed his poetry extensively in Russia, China, Israel, Europe, Britain, Mexico and most of the United States.

He has taught English, creative writing, world literature, American studies and labor studies at Wayne State University in Detroit since 1980.