Lucy Jennings and David Berkman are hosting the first Poetry Out Loud at Berkman Books on April 30. The couple has owned and operated the local bookstore since 2006. Photo by Phil Houseal

Details:
Poetry Out Loud will meet at Berkman Books, 416 E. Main, on Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There is no charge, and all are welcome to come to listen or to share their poetry. Wine and cheese will be served. For information call 997-1535 or visit www.berkmanbooks.com.

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Be a Poet

by Phil Houseal
April 22, 2009

April is poetry month. That may have escaped the notice of those of us whose idea of a good poem starts out "There once was a man from Nantucket..."

But Fredericksburg is home to a dedicated group of writers who love to share their poems and prose. Lucy Jennings and David Berkman, owners of Berkman Books, are offering their shop to help make that happen.

"We want to support writers," Jennings said. "Without them we wouldn't be here."

So Berkman Books is sponsoring what they hope will become the "first annual" Poetry Out Loud on Thursday, April 30 from 6:30 - 8:30. They will serve wine, cheese, and a platter of poems.

Jennings gives credit for the idea of a poetry night to Lianne Mercer, a poet and nurse. Mercer, who likes to "take every opportunity to read poetry to whoever will listen," will open the microphone to anyone who wants to read their poem.

And dozens of such poets lurk in the Hill Country, according to E.J. Rudd, who calls herself a "local, loudmouth poet." That trait is her asset, because Rudd insists that poetry is meant to be read aloud.

"Poetry not heard is only partially enjoyed," Rudd said. "It is like looking at music only as notes on paper - all the senses would not be involved. Imagine Beethoven passing out sheets of music at his concerts!"

That total involvement of the senses is the overriding sensibility at Berkman Books.

"We think of our place as a bookstore for the senses," Jennings explained. "Our main emphasis is to create an atmosphere that is inviting, comfortable... a place you want to stay."

Her description rolls out like a freshly minted poem. "Books are tactile. There may be the pulpy smell of paperback, the feel of leather, the crack of a spine that's never been opened, the sight of a book you may not have read. People that come in here are people who want to hold a book, not a laptop. Some come in just to be around books, to be in a place that has ideas jumping off the shelf."

For many would-be poets, the thought of standing in front of a group and reading their innermost thoughts out loud is terrifying. Rudd suggests everyone just get over that.

"When you get to be my age, you say who cares," she said. "If you don't want to read, just sit and listen and be encouraged to try it next time."

The format is conducive to a comfortable gathering. The bookstore boasts comfortable furniture and homey decor that just seduces you into curling up with a good book. Poets will sign in that evening, and be allowed two to four minutes per reading. If fewer show up to read, poets will have more turns. The public is welcome to come, listen, observe, and "be inspired."

Jennings hopes more will choose to participate.

"Take a chance," Jennings said. "You can be a fly on the wall. You can meet some new people. You don't have to be a reader to come to a bookstore, and you don't have to be a poet to come to a poetry reading. We want you to be whatever you want to be."

For one night, you can even be a poet.