Incredible writers and poets perform open mics to showcase their poetry in its truest form—with voice and theatrics. Murphy Writing of Stockton University hosts World Above Reading Poetry Open Mic at the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City each month. This month, the featured reader was Lennox Warner. On Wednesday, February 18, students, writers, readers and invited guests shared a room that was full of rhymes, prose and haiku.

During the open mic session led by host Dimitri Reyes, coordinator for the World Above Reading Series, the energy of the room lifted with enthusiasm and cheer as Reyes called each participant to the stage. Performers shared poems or prose pieces no more than two minutes long. No RSVP required, and the event was completely free!

The event also had a zoom option where, Gordon Gearhart read his haiku and senryu. A writer based in Sicklerville and Cape May for more than 10 years, and published in many leading journals and print such as Frogpond and Mayfly, Gearhart is a regular participant for the World Above Reading Series. He typically participates via Zoom, noting the accessibility and comfort it provides him.

“Performing over zoom hasn’t been restrictive at all–while I’m not able to feel the room’s reaction in person, the benefit is that I am able to share from the comfort of my home, especially right after work which is incredibly convenient” stat. ed Gearhart

Open mic participants included Gordon Gearhart, Sanguine, Mesha Kent, Eric Goode, Robert Goodman, Rita, Peter Murphy, founder of Murphy Writing, Lugene, Kyle Howey, and Joel Dias Porter, a respected local voice. The following Stockton students and alumni also participated in the event, listed as follows: Ulgly Lewis, Alec Christenson, Rachel Christenson, Joseline, Soleil, Jibreel, and Kirah.

Lennox Warner went on stage to read poems from his recent book, My Poetic Demons. He then had instructed the audience to also free write a poem. The prompt, much like his poems read out loud—was named “Organized Chaos.”

He had the audience divided into three categories: one wrote about politics and policy, another about an intimate relationship and the last about a neighborhood school. After ten minutes, he collected the three poems and read them aloud. This exercise had the audience entertained and engaged.

At the end, Warner sold and signed copies of his book for $15.

Murphy Writing hosts many events to help improve and share writing all across South Jersey. A tight-knit writing community, Murphy Writing’s goal is to help improve, feature, and create writing all across South Jersey. For more information and upcoming events, such as next month’s World Above Reading, please tap the link. https://murphywriting.com/

As stated by Gearhart, “World Above Poetry Open Mic has fostered an incredible community, one that values my work and allows me to strive to become better and write more work.”