A group of writers called Poetry on Lost Street meets at 2 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at Lost Street Brewing Co. to share poetry and other forms of creative writing.
Last Sunday, Quinn Carver Johnson of Tulsa shared poems from his book, The Perfect Bastard (Curbstone Books, 2023). Johnson is a winner of the 2024 Lambda Literary Award in LGBTQ+ Poetry. Johnson’s work has also appeared in World Literature Today, Rappahannock Review, Right Hand Pointing, Cimarron Review, Red Earth Review and elsewhere.
The group has an open microphone session to encourage beginning poets to read their work. Local poet and Southeastern English instructor Ron Wallace is one of the organizers of the group and he said reading a poem to an audience can make a person nervous but that every time you do it, you will get a little better.
Jana Taylor is one of the regular participants.
“I don’t see myself as a poet but I love words and what they can do, and getting to spend some time with other people who enjoy words as well is a treat,” Taylor said. “We all come from various backgrounds and perspectives yet we get to come together, share words and thoughts and it’s a welcoming environment.”
Jimmy Hackney was one of the readers last week.
“Being a Lost Street Poet allows me to see that there are other ragamuffins out there who want to be in a creative community,” Hackney said. “This group of people allows me to feel heard in a world that often seems too busy to listen.”
Democrat editor and photographer Matt Swearengin has attended many of the readings. He has shared his stories of photography and also his life experiences growing up. Swearengin said reading to the group is very cathartic for him.
The next reading is at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20 and the public is invited.
