The Yahara Journal hosted an open mic on Feb. 21, incorporating a pleasant mix of poetry, slam poetry and prose written and performed by Madison College students. Going into the studio where it was held, a large turnout was not expected by myself, though I was taken aback at the velocity at which the room had filled with nervous and exciting chatter.
Throughout the performances, which encapsulated a little over an hour, the people in the audience were visibly afflected to each piece, coupled with laughter and wonder, and at some points, grief and self-reflection. And to me, it seemed like a Kafkaesque-absent fever dream—a raging flurry of lucid and fathomable pseudo-speeches. All the while with themes of meditation and mythology, “F you to the rich people” and “On spring nights…” and some many others, it was perhaps a singularity of beauty one wishes upon.
And to be frank, poetry and prose staging is quite difficult to write about due to the vast array of complicated and sometimes untouched feelings. A simple article does not constitute, nor does it touch the power of the countless stories of the open mic.
I sat down with Yahara Journal editor Asime Ibraimi, who played a paramount role in organizing of the event, after the cleanup. We talked about what her goal for the Yahara Journal is, and, plainly put, the lack of support for the art and poetry community affecting her and many alike. The shining thought of connecting people through their works acted as a primary guide. A problem that Ibraimi had brought to the conversation was marketing strategies to promote events and readings such as the one that occurred last Tuesday. She expressed the importance of getting in people’s faces, and to a fantastic avail, it certainly proved to be a success, a success that confidently will continue. There happen to be flyers floating about.
Moreover, the Yahara Journal not only organizes and promotes poetry and prose readings but also grants students the opportunity to read and accept submissions to be published in the journal. Ibraimi describes the atmosphere of the group, which meets every Tuesday at 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Truax Room B1260G, as “a group of friends who tell jokes, read and share poetry and chill. Everyone gets close (to each other).” Anyone is free and is encouraged to join.
Additionally, the Yahara Journal holds writing contests which can be submitted by email to [email protected], through the Madison College website, and by scanning the QR code on flyers. The first-place winners receive a $50 prize. I thank everyone at the Yahara Journal for arranging such a special event and all who performed their spectacular original pieces.