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:   

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/ahAE-cKM2NBQvV0a9UTg5UEPS0I-DCAr0Bo80r2CEt-D2zKHHXUPnbkL2FJ4XO-u.4RL1ouHXt_9sxvOx 

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.