By Maureen Inouye
Sitting in Shakespeare class, sometimes it seems to me all the best poetry was written 400 years ago - but there is still amazing poetry being written all the time.
On Friday, the Poetry Slam at Po'Shines Café de la Soul showcased several talented poets in a unique and hospitable atmosphere.
Freshman Clare Shreve watched the performance while enjoying some coffee.
"There's a really welcoming, forgiving atmosphere," said Shreve, a French major.
Located at 8139 N. Denver, Café de la Soul's first poetry slam was titled "Corn Bred," a play on the fact that free corn bread was provided. The Café plans to hold the slams every Friday at 8 p.m. from now on.
A real poetry slam requires poets to not only write amazing poems, but also to perform them, usually to a hip-hop-like beat. Traditionally, the performers are evaluated by judges and then receive prizes based on the quality of the poem and the recital, but there were no judges or prizes present Friday - making the event more friendly to new poets.
There was a small, raised stage in front of the café's large main window, and all the poets were invited up to share their work. The slam was hosted by "Shipwreck" Murray, who has won poetry slam competitions and recently moved to Portland from Pennsylvania.
"Slams are a tool to get stuff off your chest. They're called slams because they slap you, wake you up," Murray said. He is proud to be hosting the weekly slams.
The audience seemed to enjoy the poems "performed," although the number of poets was small, only about half a dozen. Murray expects the event to get larger, and hopes to eventually have many poets participating and incorporate the judging aspect of the form.
"It's a great way to find release," Murray said. He disclosed that he has won several trophies for his own poems, but calls himself a "hip-hop artist."
The small number of poets did not detract from the quality of the show. Largely political, most of the poems were extremely smart - full of amusing and insightful references to everything from Greek gods to modern philosophers to cartoons. Although several people read their poems, three also performed long passionate pieces they had written and memorized. The audience responded especially enthusiastically to the "slam" poets (those who memorized and performed their poems to a beat), though every poet received applause. Three people, including Murray, also sang.
The sound system could use improvement, as some of the faster poems were difficult to understand. But, considering this was the Café's first slam, the event was impressive.
All of the staff members at the Café were extremely friendly, making a point to chat with the customers. AntJuan LaShawn, the manager of the Café, was happy to see the turnout for the event. He has been manager for eight months and, despite the number of customers, had no problem sitting with my friends and me for a few minutes.
"This is a community place. The people who come in make it shine," he said.
The Café is actually a non-profit venture, a member of the Teach Me to Fish Organization, which attempts to increase independence by increasing literacy, confidence and self-esteem for young adults by providing them with job skills.
Po'Shines Café de la Soul serves soul food, such as grits for breakfast and barbecue platters for dinner. The entrees for dinner range from $6 to $15, but there is also a full coffee bar. A true Portland business, the restaurant is vegan- and vegetarian-friendly.
"People just come in and do whatever," said LaShawn. The atmosphere is relaxed and the décor playful, complete with a giant gumball machine and the purple chairs. When a man walked in wearing a black boa, a trench coat and a shirt with polka dots, I knew I wanted to go back to the Café just to people-watch.
Starbucks and Niccola's are all well and good, but the diverse and friendly environment of Po'shines Café de la Soul makes anything seem possible - musicals could break out any minute or the next Shakespeare may be discovered.
"It's a place where you can be who you want to be," Shreve said. She hopes to return and perhaps share her own poetry.
