The poet finishes reciting his work about love, acceptance and peace. The crowd applauds, snaps fingers and gives their approval.
It is the fourth Sunday of the month and it is time for The Poetry Den at the Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W. Washington St., South Bend. The room is filled by 6 p.m. with poets, friends and enthusiasts.
The evening at the Den is brought to you by local poet Pam Blair. She offers strong support and love for the community. A safe place for everyone.
The evenings of poetry are now a book containing the work of 20 artists. “The Poetry Den: Literary Collective” was published this spring.
“This project was born from a desire to create something tangible, pieces of community art and history that we can live in the hands of people, coffee tables, bookstores, libraries and anywhere stories are welcomed,” Pam said.
It is not about one voice. There are many voices. “It is not The Poetry Den without the poets who show up brave enough to speak and the people who listen,” she said.
Purchase a book by emailing poetryden2012@gmail.com.
Some people may know her from the television ad for Notre Dame basketball that was broadcast last fall and winter. Pam recites in the commercial ad, “We’re playing Irish basketball, all net and no rim. Outside courts and in the gym. Level of excitement — unhinged. Now, sit back and prepare for the win. This is Irish basketball.”
Basketball has been described as poetry in motion. Footwork, passing and jump shots can be compared to artfully crafted poems.
Pam said she was approached about the basketball ad idea linked to poetry. She was impressed with it and wrote it as soon as she came home. “I thought it was pretty dope.”
Viewers thought it was dope, too.
Back to The Poetry Den. Pam said it got a start as an open mic night about 14 years ago. “There was more interest from poets than anyone else.”
There were various stops on the road, such as Merrimans’ Playhouse back when it was on Mishawaka Avenue and Chicory Café. Now it is at home at the Civil Rights Heritage Center. That is an open and welcoming environment.
Pam said poetry is a way to express her emotions, such as love, freedom, justice or pain. “It opens the door. It gives me a voice.”
Her first poem came after she was facing a divorce.
“I didn’t like poetry in high school,” Pam said. “Later, poetry came out of pain and trauma. I like to write journals. I must have 20 journals that I started and filled 10 pages. I loved the idea of journaling.”
Poetry has become her answer. She has written well over 150 poems.
The den aspect comes from her family home.
“The den was a designated space to invite friends, watch television and tell stories,” Pam said. “Today, I still want to listen to stories through the creative words of poetry.”
She was born and raised in Elkhart and studied art and design at Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio. Pam said she was a creative child. Paper and crayons were always available. That creativity carried on through high school at Elkhart Memorial. Now, she’s an academic program assistant at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Each month, there is a featured poet and 10 to 20 others who share their art. “We welcome everyone,” she said. She added she is never sure what the group will look like depending on weather and the season.
She hears good words from the audience or new poets. That is motivation to continue. Once she gets to the Civil Rights Heritage Center and the evening begins, it is worth the effort.
Poet and artist Jake Webster appreciates what Pam has done over the years, giving artists a chance to express themselves. “It is the best of everything, an outlet. Pam has given us life, and that is so necessary.”
Jake added he has written several books of poetry that have been purchased by friends and his spouse. He said he has always been in search of an audience.
“Three cheers for Pam, who has given all of us a wonderful spot to be heard,” he said. “I will clap my hands and snap my fingers for everyone. It feeds my soul.”
Pam said the poetry community is strong and asks that people look for open mic nights and readings. Talk, visit and learn from others.
Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: The Poetry Den provides writers with a cozy spot to be creative
Reporting by Kathy Borlik, Columnist / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kathy Borlik, Columnist | USA TODAY Network
