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Do you feel the power of poetry?
Apparently, many poets did (and do) as they enlisted with the Uphams Corner Branch
library to read their poetry during Open Mic on February 19, 2013. Many were first-time readers and
writers. Others were accomplished and published poets.
Everyone was local - only as far away as Milton. The readers
ranged in age from very young to twenties, thirties and well into their
sixties.
One young man performed his rap; another poet read several poems from
his journal which he keeps close by his side to continue writing whenever he feels moved.
A very
young lady read her newly composed poem that was only four lines
long. There couldn't have been a more precious reader / poet
anywhere.
Offering to Publish
Nancy Conrad from Uphams Corner News offered to publish the poetry of
any of the readers. Two poets (and there may be more) have
already come forward. Both of them were published in the
Black History section of UC News.
Opening and Closing On Time
"Does any event ever start on time?" Thus
queried Willie Pleasants, one of the event organizers and the President
of the Friends of the Uphams Corner Library, as she made sure the event
started exactly at 4pm. She thanked the many library staff,
Friends of the Uphams Corner Library and the audience and poets
attending the event.
"I am so proud to see everybody. It is so wonderful. Give
yourself a hand."
Willie explained that her goal in becoming
President of the Friends of the Uphams Corner Library was to find ways
to support the librarians and the Uphams Corner Library programs.
She wants to make sure that people in the community know about the
programs put on by the library and that the events are well attended.
She also said: "I understand how
important it is to keep the library open."
She added that the Friends of the Uphams Corner Library are always interested in new members.
Willie quickly turned the mic over to her friend and poet Janet Cormier,
who like Willie, has her own TV show. As Emcee, Janet was
entertaining for all and encouraged every reader, thanking them before
and after their reading and always finding something positive to say.
Yes, a few readers who had signed up, failed to show up so a couple
poets had a chance to read a few more of their compositions until the
closing bell (a real bell) at 5:00PM.
The hosts encouraged everyone to exchange contact information. "The
best support system for poets is always another poet."
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Posted: February 23, 2013
Nancy J Conrad
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Tue, Feb 26, 2013 at 11:58 AM
Thank you for the write-up our ‘Creative Flow’—Poetry Open Mic night. I
think everyone truly enjoyed themselves. And the poets covered all
aspects of the human condition, as well as a rich variety in topics.
Elise C. Orringer, Librarian
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 11:01 PM
THANKQ ONCE AGAIN NANCY 4 UR TIME&WONDERFUL WORDS THAT U HAVE
BLESSED ME WITH. I TOTALLY ENJOYED BEING PART OF THE OPEN MIKE
PERFORMANCE AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING & WORKING WITH U AGAIN.IF U
EVER NEED ME FOR ANY REASON. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. ALSO
HELP ME WITH ANY OPEN MIKE VENUES THAT U MAY HEAR ABOUT AROUND TOWN.
THANKU;IN ADVANCE
Brian Williams
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