Posted 11:35 PM by Bonnie

Open mic night continued: I wrote a little about our open mic last night, but have now set up an album with the pictures. Way too many to post on the blog page. I will, of course, post a few here, also.

What was really impressive about last night was the support for the poetry community here in Sumter. Including myself and an impromptu challenge poem we had 17 performers. But the cafe was packed with people who had just come to listen!

Our poets ranged from 14 to 80! We had a very diversified group and even had two male poets who were brave enough to get up and perform. In fact, Larry Stoy, has agreed to be our featured poet next month.

The poetry was wonderful and I wish I could remember enough of each individual persons poetry, but all I can say is it was a fun night. The poems made us laugh, cry, and listen in awe. One particularly funny one was by Collette Jones. I wish I could remember it, but the poem was one she wrote as a challenge and included every candy you find at the check out counter!

I know no one was bored because not one person left early! Even though their meals were finished, drinks were empty, they stayed and listened and applauded each poet. It was an exciting night!

So, here are a few pictures and a link to the photo album of all the poets who performed. Sorry, none of me again.

One of the funniest moments of the night was when Johnny Brunson offered a challenge. Those of you who read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, will understand just how funny this was. He read about the Vogon's and explained the Vogon poetry is the third worst poetry in the universe. He brought a Vogon poem and challenged anyone to come up and try to read it. We had two brave souls who dared. Our featured poet, Martina, and Cynthia Harris who was there only because she drove our 80 year old blind poet, Joyce Williams. What a hoot watching them try to perform it!

Of course, our featured poet Martina Borg - Martina is being deployed for the next two months and we will really miss her at open mic!

Larry Stoy - Featured poet for August - Larry performed some really fun poems, but I especially liked his one on the three little words that hold a marriage together. Yes, we wll know them don't we... say them with me now... You are right!

And I wanted to feature some of the younger poets who had the courage to stand up, and for some the first time, in public and perform their wonderful poems. They inspired us and awed us with their insights and sensitivity.

Be proud of yourselves!
Karleigh Brunson Heather Roberts Rose Culler

To view the rest of the photos go here!