Keep up with the latest from Baylor Line. Subscribe today.

Baylor Line is supported by our sponsors! Become one today.

Andrew Oerke: Outside the Box

By Claire Moncla

Andrew Oerke values thinking outside the box. The man who is striving to make a difference in Haiti (his team is pictured at right) said poetry is an area where forward thinking is possible. “Poets don’t have to live in their paradigm,” he said. “The world’s become too prosy. There’s not enough poetry to dream and imagine.”

To test out Oerke’s theory, let’s step outside the box; let’s step outside the parameters of “Poetry in Motion” to explore what Oerke dreams and what he imagines— to explore what makes Oerke who he is.

Background
“I grew up in the blizzards of South Dakota.”

Baylor
“I started out at St. Olaf College, where I had a scholarship, and then I was given a full scholarship at large from the Navy. I picked the University of Texas. During that time, I met a professor named W. D. White from Baylor, and he introduced me to people at Baylor. I liked the professors I met there, so I transferred to Baylor.”

Books
“Title of my next book of poetry: Never Seek to Tell Thy Love.”

Places
“The favorite place I worked in was Malawi, Kenya. And Togo. The culture there is so fascinating.”

Poetry
“Now I write very intensely on the first draft. Sometimes it comes out, but more likely it’s like Jacob wrestling the angel. I thank God I have my limp to show for it.”

Readings
“One was at the UN because I received a reward of distinction. The other poetry reading was at the University of Maine in Portland. One of my best friends, Kenneth Rosen, was the poet in residence and it was fun to see him again. I started reading, and time went by and Ken came up and said, ‘You read for four hours.’ And not a person had left.”

Religion
“My background is Lutheran and I am Christian, but I think it’s silly not to value the good things in other religions.”

For more insight into Oerke, take a look at exerpts from his latest books of poetry: San Miguel de Allende and African Stiltdancer.

Latest from Baylor Line

It Begins with a Ring

Walter Davis Gernand was born February 15, 1917, in Beaumont, Texas, the youngest of the three sons of Clarence A.

Coming Home to Waco

There’s no doubt Baylor alumni and families heading to Waco for the 2024 homecoming celebration are practicing their sic ‘ems

Recommended

The 11 Best Bars in Waco

Welcome to Waco’s lively night scene! From historic family-owned bars to modern nightlife spots, it’s time to indulge in the

12 Things to Do in Waco at Night

As the sun sets over the heart of Texas, Waco lights up with new adventures. Just as captivating and family-friendly

The Many Murals of Waco

For years, Waco has been growing its reputation as a hub of arts and culture, and nowhere is this more

Baylor Line MAgazine

With over 75 years of storytelling under its belt, the award-winning Baylor Line Magazine is now available digitally. Support this vital, independent voice of Baylor alumni by becoming a member today!