League of Minnesota Poets and Drury Lane Books Host Reading for Special Edition of the Full Moon Literary Open Mic
Nov 02, 2023 10:21AM ● By Content Editor
Cynthia Burton, Drury Lane Events Manager, tends to the fire to create a warm, welcoming experience. All photos by Jennifer Janasie
By Jennifer Janasie - Boreal Community Media - November 2, 2023
On the evening of October 28 under a cloud-covered yet full Hunter's Moon, writers and others interested in poetry gathered around a bonfire to hear a reading from the League of Minnesota Poets at Drury Lane Books. A crowd of 25 people joined together around the fire on the beach side of Drury Lane to participate in the experience. There was even an attendee of the canine variety who listened attentively.
Drury Lane hosts a poetry celebration each Full Moon, focused on creating a safe, community-centered circle, where people can feel comfortable listening to and/or sharing poetry, according to Cynthia Burton, Drury Lane Events Manager. This particular event was a special edition, as part of the starting line-up for the League’s statewide “Agates” Indy Bookstore Tour.
The “Agates” poetry anthology explores nature themes and delves into the many sides of human nature
Isadora Gruye from the League emceed the night, starting at 6:00 and including five additional featured readers during the first portion of the evening. The highlighted performers, showcased in the “Agates” anthology, read a few poems by other poets published in “Agates” and also brought their own flavor with readings of personal pieces. The “Agates” collection of poems explores nature-based themes and also delves into the many aspects of human nature.
A theme regarding Lake Superior’s healing power was woven throughout the performance, resurfacing in waves such as with poetry by Sarah Royer-Stoll and Emily August. League readers also drew audience attention to animal allies, such as with Jess Morgan’s poem on Raven appreciation, in which she shares her enthusiasm for a chance at a selfie with one. Authors Ruth Schmidt-Bauemler and Shelley Getten formed connections for watchers of the night sky with the mention of Orion, a prominent constellation named for the Greek mythological hunter – quite appropriate for a Hunter’s Moon Bonfire Reading.
Poet Sarah Royer-Stoll reads a personal piece regarding Lake Superior’s healing power
The event certainly delivered on creating that kind of comfortable environment that Burton hopes to foster with Drury Lane’s Full Moon Literary Open Mics, as evidenced by the visceral murmurs of acknowledgment and appreciation, woo-hoo’s, and applause coming from those listening to the readings on October 28. Drury Lane added to the comfort level of those attending by offering hot cider and treats of the season to warm the hands, bellies, and souls of this community of poets.
Attendees warmed their hands and bellies with offerings of hot cider and treats of the season
After some mid-event socializing and amid a great appreciation for the array of treats, the event moved inside for the cozy final portion of the evening. Anyone interested in reading was then invited up to the open mic, with guidance from moderator Gruye. Local and regional community members shared both their personal works and poems by other authors that were held in their hearts, broaching topics like Lake Superior, the moon, and death, to the soft background of light classical music in the store.
New Grand Marais librarian, Ryan Leng, offers information about a free poetry workshop
Drury Lane’s Full Moon Literary Open Mics are geared more towards adults and locals, specifically adult writers and people interested in poetry; but everyone is welcome, including musicians, according to Burton. The hope is to “Get people to feel comfortable with poetry,” Burton said. “A lot of it is sharing personal experiences. That can be hilarious or super heartfelt and deep. It’s about getting people to accept the vulnerability that comes with poetry.”
The next Full Moon Literary Open Mic is for the Beaver Moon, on November 27 from 6-8 PM. To keep up to date on happenings at Drury Lane, check out https://drurylanebooks.indielite.org/. The independent bookstore stays open late during Full Moon Open Mics for browsing and sales, so keep that in mind for any holiday shopping needs.
The League has been fostering a Minnesota community of poets and helping “To make Minnesota poetry conscious, and conscious to its own poets” since 1934. By getting involved in the League, poets can also open up opportunities to participate in other poetry groups, such as the Lake Superior Writers and the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. For more information, visit https://www.mnpoets.org/.
Poet Emily August reads of being nursed by diction, and receives murmurs of acknowledgement
Isadora Gruye, the night’s emcee as well as a featured poet, looks on amidst an engaged crowd
Poet Ruth Schmidt-Bauemler adeptly wraps up the night with her poem “Wrap it Up”
