Share or listen to poetry

Local poetry reading sessions are developing a following and breaking down barriers for local poets to share their work.

Wayne Pollard of The Demented Echidna Poets Collective has run three poetry reading sessions in Drouin. He is encouraging both poets and keen audiences to attend free sessions in Drouin on Saturday, July 4 and Jindivick on Sunday, July 26.

Mr Pollard said he aims to create a warm and welcoming environment. He said this encourages poets to break down the initial nerves and barriers to get up and enjoy sharing their work.

Having won the Ficifolia Festival open mike poetry evening in 2014, Mr Pollard said it took him “a long, long time to have enough courage” to share his work.

He said three previous sessions had been quite successful and attracted a diverse range of people. He estimated about 30 people at the most recent session at French Pear Café coinciding with Open House Drouin.

“It’s more a community model as it encourages people to come along to share or just to listen,” said Mr Pollard.

Poets have travelled from as far as Carrum to take part with poetry readings reflecting all aspects of life. While every reading is different, Mr Pollard added the beauty of reading poetry was finding someone able to relate in part or entirety.

The next poetry reading session will be at French Pear Café in Drouin on Saturday, July 4 from 3pm to 5pm. There is no entry fee and poetry prizes and door prizes are up for grabs.

The second session at Laurie Collins’ Red Tree Gallery at 420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick will start at 2pm on Sunday, July 26. Poets are asked to write a piece in response to a sculpture in the studio. Artist statements are available to help motivate and inspire.

For further information, call Wayne on 0417 506 631 or find The Demented Echidna Poets Collective on Facebook.