A Poetic Free For All at NCC

The Northampton Community College (NCC) - Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA www.facebook.com/ncc.monroe?fref=ts hosted the third and final part of the reading series presented by The Pocono Arts Council in honor of National Poetry Month. The first part of the series was The Poconos Performance Poetry Contest which took place at The SOHO in the Burg Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA www.facebook.com/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964?fref=ts on Thursday April 9^th. The second part was held at The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA prior to the Artists' Reception for their exhibition titled, “The Earth Speaks” on Saturday April 18^th and featured readings given Tom and Glinda Johnson-Medland, Brian Fanelli, Dale Wilsey Jr., Cee Rock, and the event's Master of Ceremonies; Carlton Farnbaugh (aka The Carlton). The exhibition will continue to be on display until April 26^th. The final poetry event was a Poetry Free For All which invited all poets and poetry lovers to partake of the wonders of the art and was held at The NCC on Thursday April 23^rd within the campus' Keystone Hall.

A very small gathering occupied the spacious room where the event was held but the energies that were emitted from the poets' words filled the space with the expansive concepts they conveyed. These poets were Cee Rock www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic?pnref=story who powerfully spoke of the culture and the truths it endeavors to conceal, Theresa Ratcliff of Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow who explored the memories of the soul along with the emotions they recall as well as sharing some amusing pieces, Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah, that's me) who read some of his work and received enough praise to make him blush, and the evening's Master of Ceremonies,The Carlton, who moved the audience through his words as each step he took during his presentation led them on an interactive journey to themselves.

Each poet read several times throughout the event with each reading becoming more profound and enjoyable than the previous one. The series of readings for the evening concluded with each poet who were present reading the work of poets who participated in a contest presented by The NCC - Monroe Campus and found in “The Earth Speaks” exhibition's program created for its Artists' Reception. These poets were Herb J. Weber who received First Place for his poem, “Fallen Leaves” and Alan M. Spivak for his poem, “The Steward” along with honorable mentions going to Tom Johnson-Medland for his poem “Beauty In An Ark Of Love” and to Pat Mulroy for the poem, “Will The Water Flow.” It was after these readings did Jody Singer of Origins Gallery www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg?fref=ts share his appreciation to the gathering for attending as well as news of what will be happening in the artistic community in the near future. This was followed by a Rock, Paper, Scissors contest among the poets to determine who would win a copy of the documentary film titled, “Groundswell Rising” and a year membership in The Pocono Arts Council. I won. Please feel free to go “woo woo.”

The Poetry Free for All held at The Northampton Community College (NCC) - Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA proved to be as a joyous as it was a thoughtful experience for those who find their lives enhanced by the images and insights found in the art of poetry. Those who attended found a sense of connectedness and camaraderie that went beyond the words of the poetry and their conversation. It was hoped that there will be many such events in the future providing an opportunity for poets and poetry lovers to share their insightful admiration for the art. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Poetry Night held at The Northampton Community College - Monroe Campus at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153794733223761.1073741842.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find our archive of photographs taken at various galleries in The Pocono Art District throughout 2015 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=3 as well as events featuring the Performing Arts throughout Monroe County, PA and beyond at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.

The PoconoArts Council is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the center and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Council and all they offer the creative community at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.