THE WORD OF MOUTH CINCINNATI poetry series will hold its annual all-open reading as a virtual event at 7 p.m., January 30, via zoom . Launched by poets Mark Flanigan and Jim Palmarini in January 2014, the monthly reading was inspired by the memory of revered poet Cincinnati poet Aralee Strange and the series she created and guided in Athens, Georgia.
Since the inaugural reading, hundreds of poets have “stepped up and mouthed off,” at the WOMC’s host venue, MOTR Pub, in Over-the Rhine. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted the in-person gatherings starting in March, but the readings have successfully pivoted to a virtual format and have remained a come-one-come-all for poets to share their work, whether veterans or those who are finding their voice for the first time.
WOMC’s feature-open format remains the reading’s long-standing format, said host Jim Palmarini. “We’ve featured local poets and others based from one end of the country to the other and we’ll continue to do that. But the open reading has always been the heart and soul of Word of Mouth, with poets singing and reacting in real time with each other and the audience. This all-open event is intended to honor and celebrate that tradition and its practitioners.”
He added, “Word of Mouth has been fortunate to have the seven-year we’ve had at MOTR, and we hope to return there soon, but I think the virtual reading has proven that it has a unique rhythm and flow all of its own. I hope everyone agrees and signs in.”
Since the inaugural reading, hundreds of poets have “stepped up and mouthed off,” at the WOMC’s host venue, MOTR Pub, in Over-the Rhine. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted the in-person gatherings starting in March, but the readings have successfully pivoted to a virtual format and have remained a come-one-come-all for poets to share their work, whether veterans or those who are finding their voice for the first time.
WOMC’s feature-open format remains the reading’s long-standing format, said host Jim Palmarini. “We’ve featured local poets and others based from one end of the country to the other and we’ll continue to do that. But the open reading has always been the heart and soul of Word of Mouth, with poets singing and reacting in real time with each other and the audience. This all-open event is intended to honor and celebrate that tradition and its practitioners.”
He added, “Word of Mouth has been fortunate to have the seven-year we’ve had at MOTR, and we hope to return there soon, but I think the virtual reading has proven that it has a unique rhythm and flow all of its own. I hope everyone agrees and signs in.”
Launched by poets Mark Flanigan and Jim Palmarini in 2014, Word of Mouth was inspired by the late Cincinnati poet Aralee Strange. Poets of all stripes are welcome to show up, listen, and mouth off.