Empty Open Mics and Poetry Venues

Who would have imagined
that we would be attending
online open mics, poetry Slams,
and cultural events as the norm

as the virus continues to storm
through cities, communities, and
neighborhoods all across the world?

Who could foresee poets, scribes,
singers, songwriters, jazz club
and venue owners scrambling to
learn Zoom so we could resume
places of live entertainment and
talent sharing?

Not in a millions years would I
have guessed that my grammatical
performances would be solely
experienced on digital platforms

Not in a million years would I
have allowed myself to dream
about attending my usual places
of hanging, networking with artists,
or listening hard to talented bards
chosen to be features.

The Coronavirus is a creature that
has contaminated the very essence
of being in the physical. I am lyrical

and I want to find my way back to
stages, sets, dark after hour clubs
where writers and performers are
showed love.

I cannot fathom what it sounds like
in the empty open mics and
poetry venues without our voices
being heard.

What is the future of live events,
poetry readings, poetry Slams,
jazz jams, live shows, talent sharing?

Entertainers wearing masks and us
being asked to stand six feet away
from one another as we wait our turn
to show the world who we are?

This shit is bizarre and it is taxing
for those paying rent and hoping
to sell a drink or two again waiting
for this nightmare to end.

I am not me without a microphone
and a stand in front of me. Miles
and memories have my name on them
in venues all across the United States
and in Canada.

I am thankful that hosts, leaders, and
established places are online and continue.

My friends, this is a poetic song
for empty open mics and poetry venues.