losing poetry

[Leanne]

I don't know that no open mic night = no poetry. Is there a local writers' association? Are there fairs, festivals or other events with poetry competitions? And in almost every city in the world there are groups of poets who get together in cafes, sometimes doing readings, sometimes just workshopping or having a bit of a chat about their writing (some of these people are deathly dull, beware!). Performing poetry is an art in itself -- I believe penguin is a performance poet, I'm sure he has some tips to share. (With the number of artists of all kinds to come out of the West Country, I can't believe there aren't plenty of opportunities for a poet -- and if there aren't, I'll bet there are plenty of people willing to take an opportunity if it's created for them.)