Poetry series kicks off with back to school theme

Wed., Sept. 7 — Two professors from Cooley Law School will wax poetic aboutthe good, the bad and the incredibly funny aspects of going back to school tokick off this year’s Old Town Poetry Series.

Professors Sam Mills and Kate Butler will join as many as 10to 15 other poets Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the Creole Gallery. The open mic. format program starts at7:30 p.m. and gives poets — amateur or professional — an opportunity to read eithertheir own or their favorite poet’s work.

There is no set schedule for the night. To be a reader for the night poets tosstheir name into a hat at the door and when their name is called it’s time totake the stage.

“We have a real diversity of poets,” said Ruelaine Stokes, coordinatorof the Old Town Poetry Series. “The Lansing area has a vital poetry and literary community.”

Each poet is given about 3-5 minutes to “be glorious,” and Stokesexpects the variety of poetry to be diverse as well.

“It can be funny, sad, serious or sublime,” she said.

The third Wednesday of each month, the poetry series has adifferent theme, occasionally related to the month it falls in. Stokes said in October the theme isDead Poet’s Jamboree and poets are asked to read a poem by their favorite deadpoet. They should also dress inthe “spirit” of the poet. Poetsdon’t necessarily need to dress in full costume, but something as simple as ahat similar to something that poet might wear, she said.

Occasionally there are special guest poets planned, but evenon those nights, Stokes said there is room for additional readings, and theopen mic will be available. She isworking on a guest for November.

In January the theme will be the End of the World, Stokessaid because it’s been predicted that the end of the world will come in2012. It could be a rapid reviewof the poetry of the past, she said.

This month’s series on back to school is a “way ofcelebrating the greatness and fun of going back to school,” Stokes said. There is more to back to school thanjust hitting the books.

There is no cost for the series, but a free-will donation iscollected and refreshments are served. Old Town Poetry Series has been ongoing in Lansing for nearly threedecades, Stokes said, and always enjoys hosting new poets.