by Lupe Salmeron | Madison365.com

Guests danced to the sound of Golpe Tierra’s upbeat music during social hour at the first annual “Share the Word” event. Share the Word is a gathering of Madison-area poets, writers, spoken-word performers and storytellers to network and share their work and new ideas.

During the social hour, guests were also able to request poems from participating writers/poets at a Spontaneous Writing Booth. Guests give the writer a word or phrase, and the writer takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to write a unique piece.

“Tonight’s event was designed to bring our community together, so we welcome you to the first ever Share the Word,” host Oscar Mireles said as he welcomed guests. Following the social hour, attendees were invited to enjoy poetry readings from several local poets and writers including Katrin Talbot, Rob DZ, current Madison Poet Laureate Oscar Mireles, Buggin’ Malone, and former Madison Poet laureate Fabu Phyllis Carter.

Oscar Mireles’ recitation of his poem, “Lost and Found Language”, which tells the story of how he lost his native tongue and the difficulties he experienced once he decided to relearn it, filled the room with emotion.

“I totally cried during Oscar’s last poem,” guest Dana Maya said. “His last poem talked about lost language and the loss of language. I’m Mexican American, my family is Mexican, so that poem obviously strikes me …continue reading on Madison365.com>>

Photography by Martin Jenich