We are coming to look forward to open mike night, a monthly celebration of creativity and community at the Round House Cafe. Last night, I did something I’ve never done before, read my poetry aloud. I read three poems, two about Spring, one of the Divine Old Dog Poems, “Running In The River Of Life.” I felt comfortable doing it.

The open mike program ran from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The cafe served pizza and salads and soups, there was a slightly smaller crowd than usual as there were all kinds of activities at Hubbard Hall next door – theater performances, chorale rehearsals. The music was great – blues, piano, accordion, guitar, much of it surprisingly good. There was a great feeling at the care, people sticking their necks out a bit, putting their work out there, getting a lot of support and encouragement. It is a very safe place to read or perform.

I like reading my poems, I think I might do it again.