Poetry Events Inspire Students on Campus

Poetry events have been arising on the calendars at UWSP, featuring two in the first four days of November including an open Spoken Word night by Centertainment on Nov. 1 in the Encore and Words to Disturb by 350 Stevens Point on Nov. 4 in the Basement Brewhaus.

How does the student body feel about these many opportunities to share their poetry? Pete Koconis, senior and the sound and light producer for Centertainment events, had only positive things to say.

“We used to be very music-heavy here [at Centertainment], but I think that having some different events like this, where the students are able to express themselves, it just adds to the community of UWSP,” said Koconis.

At the open Spoken Word night, students were able to learn a little bit more about their peers with a broad dynamic.

Kole Mallien, first-year acting student, had his mindset changed after hearing other’s pieces.

“Before this, I was under the impression that…I didn’t think that anyone honestly wanted to hear anything serious,” said Mallien. “But as I slowly got into it, I was like, OK, maybe this is a place where I can publicly show more serious stuff, more poignant stuff.”

The Spoken Word night was poignant indeed, with lost love, depression, and bullying as the focus of many poems. However, there were some comedic poems that stuck out, particularly those of Mallien. With his variety of personal and satirical poems, Mallien was on stage for a large portion of the event.

“[Writing poetry] was something that I just found myself doing at night,” said Mallien. “I have always wanted to, I was very inspired by [Irish musician] Dermot Kennedy, his kind of no verse and no chorus structure. It was very devolving of thought, and I’ve always loved it. I like real stuff, but I also like comedy for its escapism.”

350 hosted their open mic night in the Basement Brewhaus with a more specific intent: to help people express their feelings about climate change.

Jessycah Andersen, Vice President of Stevens Point 350, came up with the idea for the event and got all the preparations for it to happen.

Andersen said, “It’s kind of this more creative outlet event demonstration. We wanted to get together and do something in the Brewhaus that would kind of allow people to speak their mind about social issues going on, whether its opinions or facts about [the state of the environment].”

The event was an open dynamic; people took this chance to express themselves in unique ways. Many read poetry from their favorite authors, others read self-written poetry (some written right at the event), one man told a personal story, and two even expressed their feelings musically through country music and rap. The open dynamic allowed for the expression of everyone’s different talents.

“I think it’s an awesome way to get out your feelings, let maybe some nihilistic thoughts out because a lot of this brings out eco-anxiety and emotions about climate change or the end of the world you know thoughts of how complex our society is and how so many issues are going on. Everything can really bring you down, so getting a platform to release those thoughts and talk about it in a creative manner is an outlet for some people,” said Andersen.

350 member Lily Johnson chose to read a quote from one of her favorite authors, Edward Abbey. The poetry slam was a positive experience for her, and the inspiring intent got through to her when she listened to other pieces.

Johnson said, “I think as an individual it definitely helped me feel more hopeful and feel more inspired and empowered to do more when I see a bunch of people coming out and speaking about things they’re passionate about like the environment making poetry that maybe only took them five minutes but is super impactful and everything, so individually I think it gives me a lot of courage, creativity, and drive to do more than I’m doing.”

Pete Koconis works the sound and light booth at the open Spoken Word night by Centertainment.
Student shares personal work at Spoken Word night.
Student shares personal word at Spoken Word night.
Kole Mallien shares both serious and comedic poetry at Spoken Word night.
Student shares work at 350 Stevens Point’s eco-friendly poetry slam.

Student shares work at 350 Stevens Point’s eco-friendly poetry slam.
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President Molly McGuire shares words at 350 Stevens Point’s eco-friendly poetry slam.

About Erin Henze

Erin Henze
Hi there! I'm an Arts and Entertainment Reporter for The Pointer and in my final semester here at UWSP. While I might be getting my BA in Media Studies and Spanish, books have always been my passion, so getting to write is a dream come true!

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