Anyone can be a poet, you say? Actually, it doesn't work that way. It takes dedication, more work than play. The hours are long, there is no pay. Benefits? What do you think? You're lucky if someone buys you a drink. Then you find as you sip from your cup — they only did it to shut you up.
Every April, the Academy of American Poets commands us to pay attention to poetry, with National Poetry Month — which is funny, because most poets spend their lifetimes trying just to figure out what poetry is. How is the layperson supposed to do it in a month?
Anyway, local poet Maria Chong Gudaitis has compiled readings, workshops and other poetry happenings in Tacoma over the next month. More details can be found on her website, www.poetrytacoma.com.
Gudaitis will join Tacoma Poet Laureate Josie Emmons Turner and former TPL Tammy Robacker for an official National Poetry Month in Tacoma launch party at 6 p.m. Friday, April at Anthem Coffee, where you can hear and hug poets.
Gudaitis sent a list of local poetry events happening over the next month, which you can find below. Keep an eye on the Poetry Tacoma website for updates, cool pictures and awesome words.
Writing the City: Poetry Workshop for Youth
Saturday, March 30, 1-3pm / FREE / write@253
Youth ages 12-18: write poetry about our city, with writer Renee Simms & educator Catalina Ocampo. We'll take inspiration from the city, and then take our poems out into the streets! Bring comfortable shoes. Info/register: Mary Fox, mfox@tacomacc.edu.
Behind the Masc w/ Carlos Andrés Gómez
Tuesday, April 2, 7 pm / FREE / PLU (Chris Knutsen Hall)
A special interactive performance and dialogue on masculinity and manhood, with the 2006 Toronto Intl. Poetry Slam champ and author of "Man Up: Cracking the Code of Modern Manhood." An innovative mix of town hall dialogue and spoken word performance.
The Fantastic Four
Thursday, April 4, 7pm / FREE / King's Books
Derek Sheffield, Arlene Kim, Marjorie Manwaring & Rebecca Hoogs. Join host & TCC professor Allen Braden as four acclaimed Northwest poets read from new works at the crossroads of clarity and magic.
Tacoma Poetry Month Kick-Off Party & Reading
Friday, April 5, 6pm / FREE / Anthem Coffee
Tammy Robacker & Maria Gudaitis invite the city to the poetry month kick-off celebration. Hear featured poetry readers and mingle with working poets. Pick up a free copy of the Tacoma poetry month anthology + win poetry prizes!
SWAN Day Event
Sunday, April 7, 2-5pm / FREE / King's Books
A showcase of the power and diversity of women's creativity. Features poets, creative writers, playwrights, & spoken word artists. Email Johnnie at luminousspirit@gmail.com to participate. Benefit for the YWCA of Pierce County's Domestic Violence Program.
Pierce County Library-Peter Ludwin Reading
Thursday, April 11, 7 pm / FREE / Gig Harbor/Peninsula Library
Reading by NW traveler, Artist Trust fellowship winner and participant in the San Miguel Poetry Week in Mexico. Hosted by Doug Murphy. Sponsored by Friends of the Gig Harbor Library. 253-548-3305
Distinguished Writer Series-Elizabeth Austen Reading
Friday, April 12, 7 pm / FREE / King's Books
One of the state's longest-running poetry events. Elizabeth Austen is author of Every Dress a Decision and two chapbooks, Open mic follows-bring a poem to read! Hosted by Connie Walle and supported by the Tacoma Arts Commission. More info at: http://www.pugetsoundpoetryconnection.org/Pages/default.aspx
Third Thursday Art Mingle
Thursday, April 18, 5-9 pm / FREE
Free art walk, activities and events at local venues & museums. This month the Third Thursday Art Mingle joins with poets in celebrating National Poetry Month. Expect some interesting joint ventures and collaborations!
Til Midnight Spoken Word Open Mic
Friday, April 19, 7 pm / $15 / B2 Gallery
Express yourself in a fine arts setting.. Mix words, art and creativity-the result is pure poetry. A collaboration with Free Ya Mind Productions and B2 Fine Art Gallery. Contact: deborah@b2finearts.com. More info at: http://b2finearts.com/events.shtml
Gods, Goddesses, and Myths
Friday, April 19, 7 pm / FREE / TCC Gallery
Tacoma Poet Laureate Josie Emmons Turner and selected women poets read work in response to the themes of the "Greek & Roman Myths" exhibit.
Tacoma Poet Laureate Celebration and Reading
Tuesday, April 23, 6-7:30 pm / FREE / Tacoma Public Library, Main Branch, 1102 Tacoma Avenue S.
Tacoma Arts Commission and current Laureate, Josie Emmons Turner, officially introduce the new, 2013-15 Tacoma Poet Laureate. Former Tacoma Poet Laureates Bill Kupinse and Tammy Robacker also will read. Light refreshments following in the library's Handforth Gallery.
Pierce County Library-Lucia Perillo Reading
Thursday, April 25, 7 pm / FREE / Gig Harbor/Peninsula Library
Acclaimed poet reads from her most recent book, commended by the New York Times Book Review as "...taut, lucid, lyric, filled with complex emotional reflection while avoiding the usual difficulties of highbrow poetry." Hosted by Doug Murphy. Sponsored by Friends of the Gig Harbor Library.
Free Ya Mind
Friday, April 26, 7-9pm / $5 donation /Historic Colored Women's Club 2316 S Yakima Ave
Poetry month celebration with artist Vanilla Soul. To sign-up for open mic or info: Stella Haioulani 253.921.1160 or freeyamind365@gmail.com
Wayzgoose
Sunday, April 28, 11am-4pm / FREE / King's Books
Art + words = a print & book arts extravaganza! Broadsides, poster, books and more on display and available for purchase. Wayzgoose is a collaboration between King's Books and letterpress printer Jessica Spring.
Think Musically
Sunday, April 28, 2 pm Lecture & 3:30 pm Workshop / $10/$15/Member Discount /Tacoma Art Museum
Part of the "Art as Muse" author series, in partnership with Seattle7Writers. Explore language, rhythm & plain verse-Clare Hodgson Meeker speaks on children's literature & leads a workshop on writing "buddy poems."