Charles City High School English students present poetry for open mic night

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Area high schoolers got a chance to express themselves through poetry on Friday, Jan. 27 as Prologue Books and Wine hosted its first open mic poetry night.

“One of my goals for the book store was to make it a place where events happen,” said owner Darci Tracey, who has worked to organize a variety of events at her shop, from book signings to live music and even an upcoming cooking class.

Feeling that a poetry open mic night would be a good fit, Tracey got in touch with the high school’s English teachers to invite students to come and read poetry, either their own works or poems that were of special significance to them. The event Friday was part of Cabin Fever Weekend, promoted by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m really excited,” said Reegan Severin, one of the four students who performed during the event. “I’m really happy to have this opportunity.”

“We don’t have opportunities to show things that we write outside of school,” said Anna Uriostegui. “We have an outlet here to express our creativity.”

Presenting to an audience of classmates coming to support them, the students opened up, sharing sometimes deeply personal works as they prepare themselves for future performances.

“It was very good,” said Demaya Shields. “I was very nervous.”

“It is good practice for Speech,” said Ellie Gassman.

With only four students presenting, the event didn’t last very long, but Tracey said she hopes it will grow to become a regular program at the shop.