An empty chair waiting for a poet
Jeff Coppinger’s Lazy Daze Coffee House in the heart of Irvington has for several years now, hosted In the company of Shakespeare, an open mic for poetry. Every Thursday night at 7:00 p.m., a group gathers at Lazy Daze Coffee House --- outside on the deck during good weather, inside during bad weather --- to share poems.
They are serious about their poetry. It is an eclectic group (both young and old), coming from all over the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Most are there to share a new composition that they have slaved over to get just right. Some are there to read some of their favorite poems. Some are there merely to listen and absorb. Even the occasional musician will sing an original song (or a favorite cover) accompanied by his or her acoustic guitar.
Charles Munsey, III gently shepherds the open mic (there is no “sign up” list; people share their poems as they feel ready to). To break the ice, Charles usually will read a couple of his own poems. After Charles is finished, one by one each poet takes center stage to share poems with the group.
The type of original poems performed varies wildly; they reflect many different styles. Some feature over-the-top alliteration for humorous effect. Some seem reminiscent of the beat era of poetry. Some utilize clever double entendres in dealing with adult matters. All are performed with passion.
One of the regulars likes to share a poem or two of Indiana’s own James Whitcomb Riley. James Whitcomb Riley’s poems cannot simply be read. In order for one to appreciate Riley’s dry humor, the reader has to make a real commitment to perform them.
Please note: In that some of the poems being performed may use a bad word or two, or that they may be about adult matters, Lazy Daze Coffee House does recommend that only those over 18 attend.
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