Poets in the spring - Arts

Poets in the spring - Arts

Poetry doesn't have to be something you recite only to yourself in your room. Tonight, The Pen's Influence will give students a chance to express themselves through poetry in front of a live audience.

"You should come out to hear people share their poetry," said Tamika Thomas, primary leader of The Pen's Influence.

The 14th annual Poetry in the Spring event features eight new artists. They are a mix of Ohio State students and poets from Columbus.Thomas said the event is not a slam competition. It is a time for poets to showcase their talents among an audience of artists and individuals interested in the spoken word.Each year, eight different poets are featured.

"It's always interesting to hear what people have to say," Thomas said.

Following the event, there is an open microphone during in which anyone can perform. The goal is to give the OSU community a chance to show their talents.

"There is always a new vibe because of the new artists," Thomas said. "It's a great event for students who want to experience expressing themselves in front of people."

The show starts at 7 p.m. in the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center.

Whitney L.B. Miller can be reached at miller.3859@osu.edu.