March's Open Mic and Poetry Slam at the HOFF
This month’s poetry slam at The Hometown Olathe Family Farm was rife with energy and all new faces, despite the slightly lower numbers. The crackling of fiery passion within the open mic hour ensured all were excited by the time we transitioned into the poetry slam competition itself. After a little bit of nudging from our usual host, Mindy McVay, we’d arrived at five judges. However, fate occasionally takes a funny turn. With some boosted confidence we came up with 4 participants. Leaving only one role to be filled. At first it seemed as though we might have to pivot in some way. But how the heckled and ornery audience give as good as they get. One judge in particular that was convinced to be a judge loudly suggested Mindy herself participate. Insisting that she celebrate her birthday week with a solid start, and give it her all. In the way that sometimes happens, he convinced the rest of the audience to back him. Voices raised high with gleeful encouragement, all objections were impossible and Mindy stepped up to the other side of the mic as the fifth participant.
This did, however, allow for a golden opportunity for a guest host! It was even more to our good fortune that among our faces we had a lovely lady, indeed! The owner and CEO of Pink Blazer Co. Izsie Robinson! Her company, Pink Blazer Co. is dedicated to helping educate women about the power of understanding their cycle. How women can harness that knowledge to improve their energy, peace of mind, and efficiency in their work. She also works as a journalist with the local KC Current. Her comedic timing coupled with her witty words and plucky personality made for an unforgettable evening. As she won the heart of the audience, Mindy had a unique opportunity to give it her all in the competition! Izsie has already volunteered to guest host again in May during Mindy’s absence and is already threatening to introduce the crowd to her pantomime skills. An artistic expression that should not be missed.
The surprises were far from over, there. In fact that was just the beginning. Two of our competitors earned the title of “the twins”, having just met each other, but dressed identically. Within moments it was obvious the two were to be fast friends. For how often does such serendipity strike? What else were they to do but bow to the winds of fate and share in their passion of writing and performing? The twins squared off in a poetry showdown for the Slam’s first ever elimination tie. The playful glee was palpable and contagious.
A quiet regular also joined in the fun, having been a sweet judge (so sweet, in fact, she was the origin of our house rule; a judge may not rule a 10 for all rounds!) She bravely stepped up to the mic this evening. Her bravery was rewarded in spades as she climbed her way to 3rd place that night, with hooting and hollering from the audience insisting the judges were too conservative in their numbers! Sometimes it is the observers, the regular supporters, that with time show the brilliant radiance of their own with a little encouragement.
Speaking of encouragement, the winner this evening was the very definition of a “dark horse”! Insisting at first he had nothing ready, nothing that would be sufficient for our slam, he turned out to be the most surprising of all! Every round showed a different wonder. Including wit, speed, passion, and even song! What a wonderful way to close the evening, but with such a rewarding reminder that even if we don’t see it, everyone can have a seat at the creative table, we’re all capable and have a creation in our soul to share.
March's competitors for the Midnight Garden Publishing's Slam Poetry Competition at the Hometown Olathe Family Farm every third Saturday from 7pm-9pm
We hope to see all of you out this month! While our birthday gal made for a delightful surprise, we can hardly expect a recurring role from our own host any time in the near future. The very thought that we purposefully “planted talent in the garden” might insinuate that we at at Midnight Garden play dirty. I assure you that is not the case unless we’re playing with our violets or planting our beans, then no one stays clean. But for now, we’ve had our fun, celebrated our CEO in style, and been given an evening of shock and surprise all evening. Until next month, let us gather all the poetry and confidence we can muster, and we’ll see everyone soon! Write on, fellow gardeners, write on!
Patricia L. Hartman, CEO of Silver Lining Lotus with Midnight Garden Publishing House
