With this being the beginning of the National Poetry Month, I visited the Traverse City Public Library for their Poet’s Night Out. Which by the way, was held in the afternoon and was a re invitation for last fall’s poetry winners along with new readers.
The afternoon started with Paul, the host, who appears in jeans, sneakers and a John Deere hat. His poem, which he read, “Grandma’s Celestial Navigation” started off an interesting and inspiring afternoon. The poet’s night out is off and running.
Various readers and writers alike, ranging in age from 3 to mid senior years, took their turn reciting their works, pulling the audience in with every word. Followed by applause they took their seat to make way for the next participant. Each sharing insight, experiences and thoughts.
After a brief intermission, we are treated to new works being read by the authors. “Open Mike” as it is called, is the best part of the afternoon. Each writer is fresh, a bit nervous and yet willing to share the emotions, joys and yes some troubles from their life. Still they file forward, some shaking visibly, some seasoned and steady, they each read their works and share their stories. Accolades from readers and writers alike. Subject variety from Refrigerator contents to physics to longing and listening to a lover’s heart, they share as we as a group, absorb every word.
Songs of words and inspiration, projected onto an eclectic audience. All offering their talents freely and openly. Some experienced, some virgin, all sharing. Young and old alike, we all experience the joys of the human word as we interact with one another.
Since it was not my idea, my fiance’ suggested the event, I got a lot more out of the afternoon than I ever imagined I would. This is definitely an experience I plan to revisit. Maybe next time, Taylor and I will be in the same state, and we can go together.
