The Season of Verse:

It seems appropriate that National Poetry Month happens in April. Here in Charleston, April brings flowers, the unearthing of flip flops, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate with the best verse the city has to offer. This year, there seem to be more events than ever around town, and any poet—or fan-- should be in hog-heaven.

For starters, every Monday evening you can hear quality poetry at Monday Night Poetry & Music, Charleston’s classic weekly gathering of literati. April is no exception, with feature poets like Ray McManus, Fred Thompson, and Alice Osborne. Features usually last about thirty minutes, and they’re followed by an open mic session. It’s the perfect chance for amateurs to get up front and read their words. Read up on the feature poets by visiting the facebook page for Monday Night Blues, the event’s former name.

The Poetry Society of South Carolina is hosting a couple of readings this month, plus a writing workshop that’s open to the public.

“Here at the PSSC, every month is a poetry month,” says Jim Lundy, the organization’s president. “We just keep doing what we do during April! We’ve been on a roll lately with exceptional poets, and we’re expecting no less from this month’s line-up.”

The PSSC’s regular meeting will take place tomorrow evening, (April 8th) with poet Cecelia Woloch. Her reading will be, as all readings have been this year, preceded by a brief talk on the history of the PSSC in celebration of the organization’s 90th year. The event is open to the public, and starts at 7 p.m. at the Charleston Library Society. There’s a reception afterwards. Plus, the next day there’s a workshop from 10 a.m. until noon, also at CLS, for those who are feeling inspired to write their own poem.

Poet Sandra Beasley will also appear in Charleston this month, on April 16th at 7 p.m. at the Circular Church. The reading is co-sponsored by the PSSC and the Friends of the Charleston County Library. Beasley will sign books after her reading.

“If the best way to celebrate National Poetry Month is to share poems that move you with others, and I am convinced it is, then this year in Charleston should be quite memorable,” says Katrina Murphy, an event planner for the Friends of the Library and a local poet. “The audience should expect to leave this reading with new perspectives on sand, orchids, Wednesday, and life.”

For other poetry events, check out Marjory Wentworth, our own Poet Laureate, on April 11 at the Sottile Thompson Recital Hall, located at Ashley Hall. In addition, Carol Forche will read on April 21, at the College of Charleston’s Alumni Hall. All events are free.