Key Biscayne resident and poet Maria Poblet Floreani will read from her bilingual poetry series at the Community Center's luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 17, at noon.

Floreani, born in Argentina and educated in Buenos Aires, is the author of three published bilingual collections titled Colores/Colors 1, 2 and 3. A fourth volume is forthcoming. She will present alongside Renzo Del Castillo, a Miami poet, in a program organized with the Key Biscayne Poetry Share, the Key Biscayne Portal reported Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The reading takes place in the Island Room.

Residents can RSVP at the Community Center front desk.

Floreani's full name is Maria Justina Poblet Schilling de Floreani. She made her home in the United States while keeping ties to Argentina and Italy, the home of her late husband, Dr. Evan Floreani. She has shared her work at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair, the Miami Public Library and Miami Dade College, reading at literary events in both countries.

Her upcoming fourth collection includes a poem called "Left Behind," which opens:

"The sea became a mirror. / My feet sunk deep into the sand, / and I, listening to my own heartbeat. / Without searching, I find everything / I need. At last! Peace!"

The poem closes with an image of release: "I spread my wings to fly in solitude, / with only myself, / leaving the past behind like a book / that has been closed."

The Community Center has hosted similar luncheon readings before. In August, island resident Manuel Cambó read from his children's book to about 40 attendees, the Portal reported.

Thursday's bilingual presentation pairs English and Spanish verse, a fit for an island where both languages are part of daily life.

Upcoming community events

• Thursday, Sept. 17 — Bilingual poetry luncheon with Maria Poblet Floreani, noon, Island Room, Key Biscayne Community Center. RSVP at the front desk.
• Friday, Sept. 18 — Village of Key Biscayne teen trip to a go-kart park.
• Sunday, Sept. 20 — Coconut Grove neighborhood brunch event.