Creative Writing and Poetry Reading
Power of Sharing
The Contest
It’s an early March day in Cave Junction, Oregon. The wind is a little breezy with a tinge of some cool, winter air. But there is also beckoning warmth of a spring soon to come.
The sun seems to be playing hide and seek with huge splotches of grey and white, checkerboard clouds. Trees bend and whisper to the pull of occasional, seductive turbulence. One can hear frogs crooning; wind-chimes tinkle, resonate; the air speaks in whistles.
Max, who is my white, whiskered, spunky, Terrier-mix, roams with me through our backyard enclosed by a weathered, cedar fence. We are both drawn to the splendor of so much life energy all around us. I recall a similar but different, powerful energy, which emanates from our creative writing and poetry reading group.
A few months ago, I had this idea that it would be exciting to start a poetry reading contest in Cave Junction, our little rural town that rests in the Illinois River Mountain Valley. The local Arts Council embraced my idea with open arms, and we expanded it to include creative writing as well.
We decided to give cash prizes to the winners in four age categories: kids, teens, adults, seniors. Our new twist is that not only will three selected contestants in each age group have to submit an original written piece, they will need to perform it at a public event with judges like on American Idol.
The performance event will be held on April 28th at 7:00P at the local County Building. To help get the word out and give all interested parties a chance to rehearse, I also started a local creative writing and poetry reading group at the local library. We meet every other Wednesday at 6:00P. Last Wednesday, sixteen people showed up.
We laughed, cried, and embraced all the readings with positive feedback. I do this squiggly thing with my hands and fingers to let the presenter know we connected.
For me, the experience is better than T.V., going to the movies, or engaging in social media online. Having the honor and privilege to interact live with people who love to write and are willing to read their work, has the same power and allure as the basic four elements of life: wind, earth, water, fire.
Hearing the spoken word around the table at the library lifts my heart and spirit. It’s like attending a live show or play, but you get to share the spot-light with all the different, vibrant, and talented characters.
So why don’t you participate in your own local writing and reading group at the library? Or, take a moment right now to read something you enjoy aloud. I’m sending you squiggly, positive energy through my finger tips. Let me know if you feel the warmth of a spring soon to come.
What is a Poetry Slam?
- Poetry Slam Eby Way
This poem is my first attempt at a poetry slam. It should be performed and read out loud. What do you think?
