As poets, are we always conscious of the musicality with which we write? Infused with rhythm, meter, resonance (or intentionally rejecting these things), a poem is a song unto itself.  Not surprisingly, poets have a long-standing tradition of being inspired by, and writing about music itself – music as muse.  From poems that revolve around waltzes to those that spring from Buddhist chanting; from ancient Arabic ghazals to the griots of West Africa; from the jazz/blues poetry of the Harlem Renaissance to Oulipian bird songs, the world has a rich history of music-generated poetry. We will discuss this natural coupling of forms and hear examples.  Participants are invited to bring original music-inspired verse and/or the works of others.  The more musical traditions represented, the merrier the mix will be.  We may even write a few words on the spot… Alex Bleecker is your Living Room Host.

Writers of all ages and skill levels gather Tuesdays at 7P to read new work, the work of someone else or to just be in the engaging company of other writers. Your donation of $5 helps SPLAB put on special events and continue programming. Please bring 8 copies of the work you plan to read. If you do not bring copies, they are available for 10c.

Living Room happens in the new SPLAB in the Cultural Corner of the old Columbia School, between Rainier AV S and 36th AV S, on Edmunds. We’re 2 blocks from the Columbia City Link Light Rail Station. Parking is available on the school grounds.)