Instead of spending their nights glued to the television screen watching the electoral votes trickle in, poets and poetry enthusiasts gathered at the Arts Council of Baton Rouge on election night to regroup and enjoy spoken word.
With music provided by a disc jockey, the small crowd gathered were in good spirits on the brisk, wet night.
“It serves as a good distraction from the election — to come here, and listen to poetry. Essentially to take a break as America’s future impends,” said Mya Anderson, one in attendance who sought refuge from electoral news .
The Eclectic Truth Poetry Slam & Open Mic takes place every Tuesday at the Arts Council of Baton Rouge. The event is open to the public with $7 admission.
Yet, this week was special as in honor of the presidential election this particular night was the Presidential Pancake Poetry Night, where for $5 people were encouraged to come out and indulge in an assortment of complementary pancakes, beverages, and poetry.
The night was split into two segments: the poetry slam and the open mic. The poetry slam, which had space for six competitors, allowed poets read or recite their original work. After each performance, judges held up a white board with their score. The judges, were randomly selected from members of the audience, allowing for a diverse panel.
After the competition portion of the events, the open mic is open to those in attendance who wish to share their works in a creative, supportive environment among like-minded individuals.
The topics, explicit and raw in their nature, resonated with those listening as they snapped and responded to those behind the mic. One poet spoke of overcoming her alcohol addiction and celebrating her 10 years of sobriety. She spoke of the election, Trump, sexuality, and her unapologetic blackness.
“I think the difference in spoken word is that it is a performance. Anyone can write or read off of a page, but to get onstage in front of others takes courage. Those who get on stage are letting us into their world, revealing their innermost thoughts,” said English senior Joann Clark.
The spoken word performances varied in subject matter, displaying an array of emotions. Those on stage immerse themselves in their words, acting out their emotion. Left completely vulnerable in front the crowd, those on stage bear all.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Anjana Nair

Angelique Palmer, a finalist in the 2015 Women of the World Poetry Slam, performs her poetry at Eclectic Truth's "Presidential Pancake Poetry Night" on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at the Arts Council of Baton Rouge.