“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” — Albert Camus

Some months simply explode with activity. For poets, April is bonkers. We live Poetry Month up like we've been waiting all year. And yet, every year, October explodes as well. There's some mad-dash to get together, share our writing, rejoice in our community before the winter chill drives us back into ourselves.

Of course, this weekend is Uncloistered Poetry weekend, and it's one of my favorite weekends of the year. For many years now, my wonderful mother-in-law has donated hats and scarves that she's crocheted, and at our October Uncloistered Poetry Live, our poets pick their favorites to keep them warm during the coming snows. It also happens to be the weekend that John Dorsey comes back to Toledo. This year, he brings with him Missouri poet, Gary Gowers. And the incredible award-winning Sarah Moore Wagner features as well -- this is a powerhouse Saturday! We'll be at the Attic on Adams (1701 Adams St, Toledo) at 4pm EST on Saturday. Features are followed by open mic and I cannot wait to see you all there!

Uncloistered Poetry Online this Sunday is a powerhouse! We've got poets from all over -- La Kata E.K. of Toledo, Ohio; Roberta Schultz of Wilder, Kentucky; Robert Collins of Birmingham, Alabama; and Peace of Detroit, Michigan. We have open mic here too and I love the on-line community we've built. Sunday at 6pm EST on Zoom. Be sure to register for the Zoom link.

In fact, those are just a couple of the incredible events going on this weekend. You have got to check out the extremely full calendar at ToledoPoet.com. I love this time of year!

To all those spoken word artists and performance poets in the area, don't forget to register for Art Loop: Poetry Slam. Registration is open until October 20th. Apply here.  

Art Loop Poetry Slam will be staged on November 8th, from 6-9pm at the Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. in Toledo. Interested in competing? Here's what to know:

• Three (3) rounds + judging. Winners move to the next round

• Three (3) minutes max per poet per round 

• Original poems written by each participant 

• Poems in rounds 2 & 3 must be memorized

• Content appropriate for all ages

• No props

Prizes:

• First place: $500

• Second place: $300

• Third place: $150

Eligibility: 

• At least 16 years of age

• (Residents of Lucas and Wood Counties receive priority consideration)

The evening’s centerpiece is a live poetry slam competition, complete with guest judges and top prizes. Participate or cheer on your favorites! Between rounds, enjoy live music by the Soulful Collective, Flyku and Poetry on Demand, and a poem photo booth. Hosted by The Arts Commission with Lucas County Poet Laureate Jonie McIntire, and emceed by Toledo artist Kay Renee. Free and open to the public. Can't wait to see you there!