BIG thanks go out to Sylvia Hubbard and the Motown Writers’ Network for letting me know last week about the new cafe in Eastpointe. Last night was their grand opening and the fun for them started at 11am with free samples and coffee. They’ve got very reasonable prices to boot. Perfect little neighborhood cafe.
As part of the event and in honor of Valentine’s Day there were live poetry readings followed by karaoke and open mic. Three other poets were on hand to share their work with the crowd. They whole evening was very fun and festive.
The day started getting interesting on the bus ride into town. Every stop a group got on but no one ever got off! By the time I hit 9 mile and Gratiot I could barely push my way through and hop off before it started moving again.
I arrived way too early like I usually do at 5 but the event wasn’t to start until 7:30. Eh, I had fun soaking in the atmosphere and getting comfortable with the crowd. Then came karaoke. I was an odd character for the crowd but once they heard what my lungs were capable of they were all impressed. I had em eating out of my hand. Every time I finished there was thunderous applause. Made me feel good.
Kudos go out to Bruce and Tina for stopping by. We laughed it up then the poetry began around 8. I was a bit nervous but pulled it off! I read 7 poems and was very well received. I even heard some very nice comments coming from the crowd between bits and applause. Everyone that presented was wonderful and I’m surprised the walls were still standing amid such awesome talent and energy. The power and emotion of each of us was truly breathtaking. The level of energy of the event was overwhelming. the give-and-take between presenters and audience was heartwarming and uplifting.
Afterward there was an open mic opportunity and those in the crowd either read favorite poems, inspirational pieces, or wished the new cafe success in life and business matters.
I got to chat with each of the poets and we all came away having new friends.
I really hope that I can sign up to do as many of these types of events as possible this year. As the weather gets warmer I’m sure I’ll have plenty of chances between Spring, Summer, and Autumn to get out there and pimp my stuff to the masses!!
All in all it was a very wonderful and needed boost to an otherwise bitter and dark week. Not really going to go into that except to say that I’m no longer focusing on it and will transcend this situation just like I have every other roadblock that has stood between me and my destiny.
As I travel down this path in life, through the canopy of trees and forest creatures I breathe deep and enjoy the beauty and serenity but reality reminds me that if I don’t pay attention to the path ahead I’ll step in piles of shit along the way. So down the road I go, stopping every so often to look behind me and shake my head, scrape the crap off my shoe, and just keep on walking…….
© 2009 R. Wolf Baldassarro/Deep Forest Productions
