Biedermans Oct. 5 with guest Neil English

PSU Poets and Writers held an open mic at Biederman’s Deli this past Tuesday with guest artist Neil English, coauthor of Sticky Mittens and Angel Feet. Over seventy people gathered to listen and share stories, poems, and music. Sixteen artists performed before the poet and storyteller English read. English donned a blue and white-stripped dress shirt, a black vest, blue jeans, and a wicker hat. Beside him stood a table supporting a vase with a long stemmed red rose. He gave the rose to Paris Landry, who invited him to the event. English began writing March 28, 1999. He said, “It was very strange, I never thought I’d start writing. When I write, I write from the heart and from experiences.” He shared stories and poems about his family and his time spent in the military. He spoke of a love poem given to him by his wife Lee in Guam that he carried around with him for hope. They’ve been married for over thirty years. He spoke with a clear, loud voice, ringing with enthusiasm. Occasionally he ran his fingers through his long beard while pausing, deep in thought. He was supported and encouraged by the eager, young writing crowd. Listeners flipped through notebooks, capturing ideas inspired by the artistic atmosphere. The group was supportive, as I noticed when I got up to read for the first time, always clapping and cheering for each other. Poets and Writers announced that the next open mic will be held October 26, again at Biederman’s; sign ups begin at 7PM. They are also looking for original poems and prose before November 14 to appear in the Centripetal, PSU’s biannual literary magazine. Graphic art work submissions are due November 7. P&W’s writing group meets every Thursday at 7 in HUB room 123.