The language and literature department at EMU will feature the narrative poetry of Cheryl Denise Miller at its next Writers Read program, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building at EMU.

Cheryl Denise, of Philippi, W.Va., draws from her Canadian Mennonite roots in Elmira, Ont., rural life and an attachment to the people and mountains of West Virginia in her book of poetry, “I Saw God Dancing” (Cascadia Publishing, 2005).

“Her poetry is rich in concrete detail, and many poems contain a storytelling quality,” a reviewer noted of her work. “Subjects range from sheep farming to lusts and longings, biblical women, legs, old lovers and laundromats. Often humorous, she penetrates to the deep current of human relationship. Many people who don’t read poetry find themselves drawn to Cheryl’s truthful, clear style.”

After nursing school, the writer worked as a public health nurse in a rural Hispanic community in Colorado. Currently she and her husband, Mike Miller, are part of the Shepherds Field intentional community on a sheep farm in the hills near Philippi. She works as a nurse at the Barbour County Senior Center.

Cheryl Denise will have wool blankets from her farm for sale in addition to copies of her book.

Admission to the program, which includes dinner, is $14. Reservations are required and should be made by Friday, Feb. 15 by calling the language and literature department at 540-432-4168 or email: langlit@emu.edu.