Feature Invitation @ Take Back the Night

Good news! Lansing organizers for Take Back the Night are featuring Deena, Marycela, and Melissa at the 2007 poetry event. This happening takes place across the nation (and world!) to break the silence surrounding sexual violence and put an end to it.

So, keep the evening of April 4 open on your planners! Time and location TBA.

Hot Start on a Freezing Night!

The kickoff for the Survivin' & Thrivin' open-mic poetry series sizzled despite below-zero temperatures because of bundled souls who braved the ice and wind! Guests and artists filled the room around candlelit tables. Thanks to the Gone Wired Cafe for the space, to everyone who voiced their words, and to the guests who listened.

Marycela, Chey Granroth, and Melissa Dey Hasbrook hosted the event. Check out the photos on our gallery! Chey stepped in for Deena Tyler, who unfortunately had an injury preventing her from joining the festivities. The next open-mic is Saturday, March 17, so join us on St. Paddy's Day and save the green beer, eggs, and ham for later in the evening!

The hosts read their poems following a stellar line of performers, including:

Franny * Julie * Alexis * Nina * Susan * Alicia * Tim * Lisa

Here are some lines from the evening:

There is no room for my theology in this becoming -- Chey

Some baggage is stinkier than others -- Marycela

The end is infinitely soon -- Fran

Maybe I'll find someone it fits -- Alexis

A butch dyke somewhere in between -- Susan

I told myself that this was crazy -- Tim

It's hard to be real all the time -- Lisa

Love is the only thing I'm afraid of in Detroit -- Nina

I don't want to cry no more -- Alicia

(Julie, my apologies that my pen was inactive during your reading! Your words must have mesmerized me!)

My personal favorite:

A pussy is not a port -- Fran

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