The air was heavy with the scent of coffee, but for some people, the words of MSU’s Black Poets Society members were more overpowering.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the group held Soul Nite, an open mic poetry reading entitled “Lover’s Paradise” at Espresso Royale Caffe, 547 E. Grand River Ave., on Saturday night.
Soul Nite, held two or three times a semester, is used to raise funds for the organization’s financial needs. But more so, it is a time for people to come out and express their thoughts and feelings, which is what society President Marcelle Bryant wanted to see.
“I wanted to see open-minded people here tonight,” the advertising sophomore said. “I wanted to hear people’s thoughts about the good and bad sides of love.”
Couples sat hand in hand, others sat upright giving their undivided attention to each poet. With their eyes fixed, audience members took in each spoken word.
Group member Ronnie Frelix impressed the crowd with his poem “Romance.”
As he read a vivid explanation to his woman about how his love and actions could surpass those of the next man, women gasped while men shook their heads, seemingly in agreement and amazement.
“Man, how much do you want for that ‘Romance’ poem?” one man called out.
Frelix, who has been a member of the group since the end of last semester, said his poem was a result of listening to music.
“I was hearing the things people were saying and it made me think about things people do in relationships,” the marketing sophomore said. “Then I thought about how I would handle the situations.”
The crowd’s enthusiasm, displayed in part by snapping fingers instead of applause, pleased Eleazar Barzart, executive adviser for the group.
“The vibe is back,” the philosophy senior said enthusiastically. “The interaction is good, and I wanted to make sure the crowd was into this and they liked what they came to see.”
Barzart, who was one of the founders of the group in 1998, also said it makes him happy to see how people’s thoughts and views on love have changed since his beginning in BPS.
Readings weren’t limited to Black Poets Society members. Audience members signed up to take their seat in the “chair of love” reading their own pieces, some of which were scribbled on flyers just moments after hearing others speak.
Jabari Holloway, who hadn’t attended a Soul Nite since last year, found his inspiration in the words he heard.
“Sitting here listening to people read made me want to write something,” the urban planning junior said before reading his untitled impromptu poem. “I write what’s on my mind, and when I find something interesting, I explore it and see where I can take it.”
But the night wasn’t just filled with poetry. A DJ provided musical entertainment, as did a performance by rapper and marketing senior Ron Elliott.
For some participants, Soul Nite provided an opportunity to express happy and sometimes bitter ideas about love, but for others, it was a chance for people to do something different with their time.
International relations and social relations junior Brandon Calvert attended Soul Nite for the first time Saturday.
“I like it,” he said. “It’s a change from the normal party scene. It’s nice to see everybody get together and have a mutual respect for someone’s poetry.”
For more information on Black Poets Society, e-mail BPSociety@hotmail.com.
