First Friday Open Mic on April 2, 2021
The First Friday Open Mic was the first event during National Poetry Month. It began with a virtual reading as poets got together to share their words.
The poet interviewed for this story was Samuel Rain Benjamin who gave a wonderful performance.
The evening was also filled with readings of original poetry of Anke Hodenpijl, Carla Martin, Chris Nielsen, Eric Osborne, Heather Ponek, Portia Choi, Shiye Suynshyn Kennedy, and Suzanne Weller.
Watch the performances of Samuel Rain Benjamin and all the poets in this video recording:
Passcode: z2ni&v90
Interview with Samuel Rain Benjamin, First Friday Zoom Open Mic, April 2, 2021
By Carla Martin
Here is the poem Samuel shared with us that evening:
that’s the way
by Samuel Rain Benjamin
these pages speak my name
read into me
I came here for you
all I want
something from your past
the way you loved me
I feel the rain
In you
these pages are the things
I want to do
become these lines
caressed by this pen while
held in these hands
love me like you want
when I call your name
I’m going to do all the things
a woman wants a man to do
say you love me
and never hunger
Q. What inspired you to write your poem?
A. I love poetry, for me it is music
printed art brought to life when spoken
Q. Do you like to read poetry?
A. I enjoy reading poetry
If it brings life and I feel it flowing through me.
We all flow differently I don’t follow any style.
Q. What advice would you give to other folks wanting to create poems? How do you make a poem? Do you have a special place you go to, or music you listen to, etc.? Give us a glimpse into your creative process.
A. I enjoy reading poetry
If it brings life and I feel it flowing through me.
We all flow differently I don’t follow any style.