by Sarah Tarver
Contributing writer
Hot Shots Coffee Shop, on University Boulevard, hosted a Poetry Night on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The reading lasted about an hour with just over 20 people coming and going throughout the night, and eight presenters.
This was the second poetry reading that Hot Shots has hosted. The first took place last spring and was also very well attended according to Dr. Randy Prus, chair of the English department who attended and read both nights. The two readings were open, allowing anyone who wished to share the opportunity to step up to the microphone.
The coffee shop was transformed into a contemplative realm for the night in which all were content to drink various coffee-infused drinks, listen and take in the words and ideas of those who were sharing their own work, a work that inspired them or the work of another who wished to remain anonymous.
Overall the night was described as “a lot of fun” and “very inspiring” by attendees and readers alike. SE English major Christian Joy Boone, who was there as a spectator, said, “Hearing someone’s poetry is similar to looking into their soul, you learn a lot about them, and yourself.”
The reading was a group effort involving the English department and Hot Shots staff, which included, but was not limited to, English faculty members Dr. Virginia Parrish, Dr. Wilma Shires, SE journalism major David Reagan and Hot Shots employee Rachel Toews, who is a communication major here at Southeastern.
Although the reading itself only lasted until 8 p.m., most everyone who had remained up until that point stayed and talked in groups until Hot Shots, who had stayed open past their normal business hours for the event, closed its doors about 8:30 p.m. Toews ended the evening saying “we will have another one soon.”
The poetry readings are one way that the English department reaches out to the rest of the school and community. Another way is through the publication of students’ literary and artistic works in Green Eggs and Hamlet, a student-created booklet that is released each spring.
Anyone who wishes to contribute work can speak with Prus in the English department or Jack Ousey in the art department. The final deadline for contributions for the 2012 edition will be in the middle of February 2012.