Last Thursday night marked the second occasion of a new monthly poetry reading session at the ’Boro Book Warehouse. These poetry readings provide a fresh new local outlet for poets, aspiring poets, and poetry lovers to participate and/or listen to others. You are not required to read original material; you are welcome to recite other’s as well.

I would like to encourage everyone to come out and give a listen, I think many of you will enjoy this program. Bring your children, as these sessions are not only entertaining but educational as well. Kids are never too young to be introduced to the world of poetry. There is plenty of variety: some poems are moving, some are humorous, and some are thought-provoking. All are welcome to read; you do not have to be a professional poet in order to be a part of this group. Listeners are just as welcome as readers.

Leading this program is bookstore and MTSU journalism and political science student Matt Ferry, age 24.

Another excellent participant is Oakland High School Senior Alisha Sparks, age 17. Last month, Alisha read a very impressive poem about her generation. Last night she read three different poems, all addressing different current issues. One of them was about the Middle East.

I myself even recited a poem I had written earlier in the day about my morning’s experience of being forced to have my beloved dog put to rest.

This event takes place at the ’Boro Book Warehouse at 7 p.m the second Thursday of each month, the next reading being April 10. There is plenty of good coffee and cookies.