Poetry as happening, as conversation and as play

Tonight on a whim I went to a poetry reading that happens monthly at a public library branch. There were enough local poets, mostly reading their own work, to fill two hours with gorgeous words and ideas, laughs, affirmations, and applause.I was inspired to resume writing, and I decided to visit more readings soon and perhaps read a poem of my own within a few months.

A recurring reading which draws a regular crowd could function as a conversation: I could write my own poem with allusions to the poems I heard tonight, read it to the same group in four weeks, and have people recognize the references. Contrast that to the dubious prospect of asking people if they ever saw the TV shows and movies I turned down for this reading. I have been spectating too much. Life is supposed to be interactive, right?

For those interested: I found a Literary Events Calendar with something once or twice each week in the Kansas City area.

Nationally, the Academy of American Poets also offers this help in finding a poetry reading anywhere in the U.S.