A way I believe to be a pro-islander is to be involved with the community. By getting involved with the community I mean supporting a small business or finding out about community events that happen throughout the town. So, a good way I think to get involved with the community is to start doing poetry. On the island, some organizations that are focused on poetry are Coast to Soul and Universe Poetry. If you are young, or have any young children interested in poetry, there are programs for children such as Iconoclast, but there aren't many poetry programs on the island for children.

But what is poetry? According to Google, the definition of poetry is "literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature." Recently, I interviewed Torrina Harris, who is a professional poet in Galveston, and I asked her a few questions, such as what she thought poetry was. Their response was that "poetry is any kind of expression of self that can be tied to language, a written poem, a spoken poem that has never been written down, or any form of expression that is coming from a human experience that can be conveyed through language. It's what makes something a poem or poetry. There are a lot of spaces, especially academic spaces, that try to do gatekeeping, and there are a lot of people who feel they have a right to say, 'Oh, this is a poem, or this is poetry and that's crap.' I feel like poetry is a lot more fluid than that, and I feel that scares people because it's so powerful." So, anyone could be a poet because poetry is just expressing oneself.

The next question I asked was, "When did you start writing poetry?" She stated she started writing in the fourth grade because "it helps one's mental health and it's a safe space that is created for one to feel safe. The fact that writing poetry can express yourself but also convey how you think and feel."

The final question I asked was, "If one wanted to become a poet what are the steps to take?" She responded, "One can start getting more familiar with poetry first such as reading poems and finding poets on Youtube. And, trying to read a new poem every day which helps to stay connected."

In summary, poetry is a great way to get connected with the community to express one's mental health, in a non-judgmental way. And, in the end, if you want to start trying out poetry, a way you can get better is by knowing how you want your audience to feel when listening to or reading your poetry, but also be confident since it's your poetry. Maybe try going to an open mic night just to get a feel of things!

You are cordially invited

to attend any of our 3 Mini-Winter Concerts

Tuesday Dec 13th - 6:00p.m.

Wednesday Dec. 14th - 6:oop.m

Thursday Dec. 15th - 6:00p.m

Hope to see you!

Parish Hall

2415 Winnie