By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
“Echoes on the Mountain,” a poetry night organized by poet Jeff Rogers, brought together several local poets on Sunday night, Feb. 16, at Paper & Clay bookstore.
Those poets – some well-known and others published poets – relished the opportunity to read their works. Rogers also offered an open mic for other poets who wanted to share. About 30 folks attended, filling both rooms of the bookstore, enjoying the presentations.
Local poet Candace Pearson who has been doing various kinds of poetry events in Crestline the past six years.
In general, Rogers said, “Some people are intimidated by poetry. But these poets are entertaining to listen to. They are not obscure nor academic or difficult.”
Rogers was so correct. Some of the attendees who filled the small bookstore stood for the entire hour of poetry readings, and entertaining they were.
Poetry is an attempt to communicate, usually describing feelings by creating word pictures, and explaining emotions through words, and to create a reaction in the listener. Poetry, presented by the author themselves, is a pure form of communication.
Rogers explained his poetry: “I write about everything from people watching, to life, death and everything in between, capturing scenes of life, human behavior, that I’ve witnessed or experienced out in public. There are many reasons to write poetry, to encourage people to come together to protest, to celebrate major life events and to share feelings.”
Rogers’ first poem was “Only Weeks from Death,” with insights from his grandmother who knew she was dying, read from his book Right, Wrong Night Song. He also read “Bus Stop” and “Communal Best.”
Rains Lyles, a young 17-year-old, read a new poem he had written during the open mic part of the evening. He is new to the area and was warmly received, performing the world premiere of his poem that he has submitted to the Young Pegasus contest about growing up too soon.
Poet Micah Bourne dynamically performed his poetry, keeping everyone hooked on each word.
Mandy Hartz fell in love with the area and believes it is the place for her to live. Her three poems – “Messenger,” “Labor Day” about humming birds and “Turtles” about her amazement at seeing turtles in Lake Gregory in February – all intrigued the audience at her ability to put so much insight in to so few words.
Paper & Clay bookstore owner Rachel Manija Brown shared a couple of her poems – “Animal Dreams” and “The Beast.” She is the author of over 30 published books of various genres, is a playwight and potter. In addition to running Paper & Clay on Thursdays through Sundays, she raises chickens. She offered up her shop for this poetry reading night.
Gina Duran read from her book, The White Picket Fence, a collection of poems. “Wild Dreams,” “I’m not a suitcase” and “The Voice of your Ancestors” were all fascinating to hear.
Local poet Candace Pearson is known by many for the poetry days she has held in Crestline, writing poems for those who stop by her table. The six-year resident read from her published works. Her poem “Over Unfolding” won first place. Her latest book, Not This, Not That, includes poems in a series of letters; her poem “The Losses” held the audience rapt attention.
Special guest Micah Bourne lives in Long Beach and has spent the past 10 years traveling, teaching writing and poetry, and performing his poetry for audiences nationwide. He has recorded eight albums of his works. He often spends several months at a time in Crestline, as he has this year. His book Here Comes This Dreamer has many poems of note.
From his book Stay he recited “Proud Mamas” with impressive words of advice from his 92-year-old grandmother that resonated with the audience. His performance was dynamic, strong and engaging. Bourne is the co-editor of the Fight Evil with Love anthology. From his “Chat” booklet from his last tour, he read “Justice-Injustice” and a reflection of “Home.”
Poet Gina Duran during the “Echoes on the Mountain” poetry night.
From his writing seminars, Bourne gave an assignment to all 30 in the room to write or ponder the prompt, “Would your teenage self be proud of you?” He explained his answer has changed as he has grown and how his expectations have changed with his various life’s circumstances.
Bourne spoke about poet William Shakespeare, how he changed the use of 1,700 words and created words, and that today’s young poets are doing similar things. His long poem “Native Tongue” explored those new words and the need for the new words in today’s world and how their purposes have changed language.
The evening was filled with challenging and entertaining thoughts, from the poets themselves. With the positive response from the filled rooms, Jeff Rogers said he hopes to be able to plan another such evening again.
Paper & Clay bookstore opened just months ago, at 23872 Lake Drive, Crestline, across from Bizzyland and Ace Hardware. It’s open from noon to 6:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
0 Comments