A few weeks back I attended an open mic poetry night called "Oh Snap." It was honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made. I then realized that more people need to be going to events like this, whether it be to listen or to perform. During this time I began to come up with reasons why we should all go to these events.
The sense of community.
Poetry nights give an opportunity for people to come together. One aspect we are missing in the world today is a sense of community, and poetry nights give just that. It brings many people who are different together.
It takes you out of your comfort zone.
Whether you are listening or performing, you are out of your comfort zone. Hearing or saying the words that are often expressed in poetry can be hard to hear or say because of the raw truth they hold. This is enough to to get anyone out of their comfort zone.
The opening of your mind to things you have never even began to imagine.
Poetry has a way of taking you to another place were we all need to go every once in a while.
It could help you to learn how to listen.
So often we hear people, but we do not actually listen. Poetry nights put us in a position where we are forced to listen, and what you hear may lighten your heart, relieve your pain, or help you understand others. Which leads me to my next point.
The feeling of being understood.
It's easy for us to stick our head in the sand and assume that everything around us is fine. This is not okay. People may seem fine on the outside but they are broken on the inside. A poetry night will help you understand that you cannot assume what everyone is feeling and it can also make you feel understood.
The laughter.
Although many poems are considered very serious (as seen by all of the reasons above), there are also the ones that are very lighthearted. Even though poets may seem serious, we like to laugh too.
The tears.
They will come no matter how hard you try, but we can always use a good cry (sorry not sorry for the ironic rhyming). Whether it's because you relate so well to the words, the words were so beautiful, or the poem was just that funny, you will cry and that's okay.
The good coffee or tea.
Wherever there is good poetry, there is good caffeine.
Inspiration.
Maybe you will be inspired to write your own poem. Maybe you'll be inspired to change something in your life. Either way, you'll be inspired.
If this has not convinced you enough already, here is a quote from the founder of "Oh Snap" herself, Gemma Campanini:
"Poetry nights are wonderful for a community because they are a catalyst of activism. Poets share new, unique ideas with the audience, all the while building up their own self-confidence through the radically vulnerable act of live performance itself. The audience arrives with an open mind, ready to offer unceasing love and support to each and every poet. The community becomes closer through the course of a spoken poetry event. People laugh, cry, love, and grow. Poets learn the true, fabulous extent of their capabilities as they perform, and the audience develops empathy as they listen; maybe even gaining the inspiration necessary to try writing something for the first time when they get home."
So, I encourage you find an event like this somewhere near you. You will not regret it!
