Random Acts of Poetry

You’ve heard of random acts of kindness. You’ve heard of poetry (and we’ve already talked about Magnetic Poetry). It doesn’t take a genius to put the two together (but if you want to call us geniuses, go ahead…), and that’s exactly what we’ve done in designing six months of poetry programming at Eisenhower! Between September of 2009 and February of 2010, join us for a variety of poetry-related events:

• In September, join us for a writing workshop with poet and writing instructor Margie Skelly (Monday the 14th at 7:00 p.m.), then stop by the Answers Desk for a piece of sidewalk chalk and display your new skills outside for all the world to see.

• In October, join us for an Open Mic Night (Monday the 12th at 7:00 p.m.) and showcase your developing talent!
• In November, link up with us in the Meeting Room (Monday the 23rd at 7:00 p.m.) as we construct an exquisite corpse; each poet adds to a composition started by the participants before them, but can only read the last line of the poem they’re continuing. Practice all month on the whiteboard near the Answers Desk.
• In December, relax with us for an informal gathering around tea and crumpets (well, tea and snacks…we did say informal) as we share our favorite poems, old and new. Join us (Thursday the 10th at 3:30 p.m.) and let us in on your favorites—or bring your own work!
• In January, dust off your balaclava and become a poetry ninja, committing random acts of poetry. Simply photocopy or transcribe one of your favorite poems (we like this one), find a book on our shelves that fits its themes, and slip in the page for the next patron to find, read, and love.
• In February it’s all up to you. Submit your best personal creation—long, short, silly, serious, and everything in
  between—to the Your Barbaric Yawp Poetry Contest! Three winners will receive a surprise prize!

The September, October, November, and December programs require registration–stop by the Answers Desk to sign up! Each program is designed for poets of all ages.

from Toothpaste for Dinner