WS Chronicle

Judie Holcomb-Pack 

Bookmarks bookstore will host a Poetry Open Mic Night at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11, to celebrate National Poetry Month. The event will be hosted by Mick Scott, author of “Stardust and Scar Tissue,” a book of essays, and “Tiny Sliver of a Moon,” a book of poetry. Both are available at Bookmarks.  

“I appreciate Bookmarks hosting this event and I hope people from throughout the community will participate,” Scott told The Chronicle. “It’s especially appropriate, given Bookmarks’ support for local writers. There are so many talented and insightful voices in the City of Arts and Innovation. My job Friday will essentially be to say, ‘Our next reader is — ’ and then sit back and listen. I’m eager to hear what they bring.  

“Bookmarks also has a significant poetry section. I’ve found many gems there.  

“I came to poetry through the Beat writers of the 1950s and ’60s, but one of my favorite poets today is Amanda Gorman, who read her classic ‘The Hill We Climb’ at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. She’s inspiring. It’s shameful that her writing has been removed from some school libraries at the behest of activist groups. 

“There’ll be no censorship Friday. Only joy.” 

Participants may read their own poetry or a poem from their favorite poet. They may register at Bookmarks, 634 W. 4th St., before the reading begins. Come early, as slots are limited 

Follow Mick Scott’s current writing at mickscott.substack.com. For more information, visit www.bookmarksnc.org.