“Poetry is what you feed your enemies.”
Years ago, this quote appeared on the back of one of my composition books. Its grave appraisal of a celebrated art form appealed to my need to feel indignant about everything. I’ve never found the source, and I have come to the conclusion it is something I said at an open mic night in an effort to sound cool.
I’m not sure what it means. That poetry can be unbearable? That we should kill with kindness? Do what you will with it.
Speakeasy at Will’s Pub will not bring you to the point where you scrawl obtuse, profound-ish quotes on cocktail napkins. This once-a-month (every third Tuesday) spoken word/open mic night is refreshingly gravitas-free. Alcohol-tinged with the appropriate level of inappropriateness, the vibe is just right.
There’s no evident pretension (and I can smell it a mile away) and its long-time host, Tod Caviness, blends gentle, sardonic commentary with uncondescending encouragement. It’s quite possible that this is an impossible achievement, or at least an oxymoron-ical statement that only proves that I have little respect for the English language.
Jumping in is no big deal. Just show up, sign up, and read. Speakeasy nights have themes and other twists and you can get the heads up by visiting http://speakeasyatwills.blogspot.com/ before coming out.
Also worthy of note: Caviness says, “We’ve got the highest potential for nudity of any spoken word night in Orlando.”
I’M SOLD.
Speakeasy at Will’s Pub
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9ish p.m.
1042 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
