January Open Mic 2025
2025-01-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening this month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: January 23rd
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/ynus5rt5

February Open Mic 2025
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: February 20th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/mr2pxncm

Meet and Greet - March 1st
2025-03-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
We are hosting an open Meet and Greet this Saturday @ 11am
You are invited for an open meet and greet this weekend at 11am until 1pm on Zoom. Feel free to drop in at 11am and leave at any time.
We want to hear from you and join in on the discussion. This is an informal meeting that we’ll use to take feedback and questions.
Quick Notes on what we’ll be discussing:

Membership dues are lowered to $20 for 2025 membership period
Poems can be submitted for Open Mic and can be included within our Chapbook (submit to President)
Upcoming and planned events from GPS
New Membership platform and features

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88626349240?pwd=[REDACTED]

March Quarterly Meeting 2025
2025-03-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
🌟 Great Announcement! Our Quarterly Gathering is Just Around the Bend! 🌐📣

Save the date for March 8th at 11am as we come together for an exciting Quarterly Meeting. 🗓️ Join us virtually on Zoom

🔍 Stay Informed on Community Updates
🎙️ Participate in Member Demonstrations
🚀 Contribute to Future Strategies

Your presence is crucial! Be part of the dynamic discussion that shapes our journey. Agenda details to be announced soon—get ready for an inspiring session! 🚀📚

#CommunityConnection #QuarterlyMeeting #CreativeJourney

Meet and Greet - June 14th
2025-03-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
We are hosting an open Meet and Greet the 2nd Saturday @ 11am
You are invited for an open meet and greet every 2nd weekend at 11am until 1pm on Zoom. Feel free to drop in at 11am and leave at any time.
We want to hear from you and join in on the discussion. This is an informal meeting that we’ll use to take feedback and questions.
Quick Notes on what we’ll be discussing:

Poems can be submitted for Open Mic and can be included within our Chapbook (submit to President)
Upcoming and planned events from GPS
New Membership platform and features

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88626349240?pwd=[REDACTED]

March Open Mic 2025
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This month, we will be focusing on creating a stanza of love!
During the session, please have a poem that is a Sonnet; 3 sets of 4 lines each finishing with 2 extra lines. You have some homework to bring with you to the Open Mic.
Example:
Upon the shore where waves embrace,
I trace the stars upon your face.
The night sighs low, the world so still,
Your love bends time to match my will.

The roses lean to touch the dew,
As I am drawn to dance with you.
Your laughter rings, a melody,
A song that sets my spirit free.

With every breath, I find my place,
A home within your warm embrace.
No dream could match the love we weave,
Forever ours—just close your eyes, believe.

No force could break, no tide erase,The love we’ve found in this embrace.

This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: March 20th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/yx5sd6ce

Sonetos and Sacadas - A Harmonious Blend of Verse and Tango
2025-03-22 13:30 - 18:00 | Jessye Norman School of the Arts, 739 Greene St, Augusta, GA, United States
Sonetos & Sacadas – A Harmonious Blend of Verse and Tango
Immerse yourself in the artistic fusion of poetry and the fiery spirit of Argentine tango. Whether you’re a fan of lyrical expressions, rhythmic movement, or both, this event is for you.
🕒 Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 22 at 1:30 PM at 739 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia.
Presented at the Jessye Norman School of the Arts:
– 1:30 PM: Doors open
– 2:00 PM: Poetry Workshop kicks off
– 3:00 PM: Open Mic segment
– 3:30 PM: Tango lesson
– 4:00-5:30 PM: Practice session
Stay connected with Poetry Matters Project @poetrymattersproject
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND WELCOMES EVERYONE!
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87951031703?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meet and Greet - April 12th
2025-04-12 11:00 - 13:00
We are hosting an open Meet and Greet the 2nd Saturday @ 11am
You are invited for an open meet and greet every 2nd weekend at 11am until 1pm on Zoom. Feel free to drop in at 11am and leave at any time.
We want to hear from you and join in on the discussion. This is an informal meeting that we’ll use to take feedback and questions.
Quick Notes on what we’ll be discussing:

Poems can be submitted for Open Mic and can be included within our Chapbook (submit to President)
Upcoming and planned events from GPS
New Membership platform and features

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83375933329?pwd=[REDACTED]

April Open Mic 2025
2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: April 17th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AP7V9sQpSwu2EzthChk_Kw

This open Mic will focus on the Villanelle style poem. We can’t wait to see what you create!

VillanelleA nineteen-line poem—ten syllables per line, with an (aba aba aba aba aba aba aba aba aba abaa) rhyming scheme. Repetitive lines are part of the form; the first and the third lines in the first stanza are repeated in alternating order throughout the poem and appear together in the last couplet.
English SonnetFourteen lines, with an (abab cdcd efef gg) rhyming scheme, with 10 syllables per line.

Explanation:
Villanelle
A villanelle is a highly structured form of poetry with:

19 lines total.

Five tercets (3-line stanzas) followed by a final quatrain (4-line stanza).

The rhyme scheme follows a repeating aba pattern.

Two refrains (repeating lines) are used:

The 1st line of the poem becomes the refrain that ends the 2nd and 4th tercets, and also appears as the penultimate line of the poem.

The 3rd line of the poem ends the 3rd and 5th tercets, and becomes the last line of the poem.

The last stanza (quatrain) contains both refrains as the final two lines.

The villanelle creates a musical and circular feeling—great for themes of obsession, nature, or time.
English Sonnet (Shakespearean Sonnet)
An English Sonnet is:

14 lines long.

Written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line, unstressed-stressed pattern).

Rhymed abab cdcd efef gg, meaning:

3 quatrains (4-line stanzas) with alternating rhymes.

Followed by a couplet (2 rhyming lines) at the end, often delivering a twist or conclusion.

Sample Villanelle poem from

April by Emile J. Pinet
Ushering in the first warm days of springsubservient to Mother Nature’s call,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
Flowers await rains April showers bring,from a light drizzle to a tempest squall,ushering in the first warm days of spring.
As migrating birds once again take wingsufficiently prepared for the long haul,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
April melts away icicles that clingand snowdrifts covering colors of Fall,ushering in the first warm days of spring.
Being born in April, I’ve felt Her sting,but even though She sometimes plays hardball,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
As winter wains, April is everything,wearing misty drops as Her morning shawl.Ushering in the gentle warmth of spring,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
(Villanelle)

Meet and Greet - May 10th
2025-05-10 11:00 - 13:00

May Open Mic 2025
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: May 16th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/k6UmU1WLTxm1GxkuLp6ikw

This open Mic will focus on the Villanelle style poem. We can’t wait to see what you create!

VillanelleA nineteen-line poem—ten syllables per line, with an (aba aba aba aba aba aba aba aba aba abaa) rhyming scheme. Repetitive lines are part of the form; the first and the third lines in the first stanza are repeated in alternating order throughout the poem and appear together in the last couplet.
English SonnetFourteen lines, with an (abab cdcd efef gg) rhyming scheme, with 10 syllables per line.

Explanation:
Villanelle
A villanelle is a highly structured form of poetry with:

19 lines total.
Five tercets (3-line stanzas) followed by a final quatrain (4-line stanza).
The rhyme scheme follows a repeating aba pattern.
Two refrains (repeating lines) are used:

The 1st line of the poem becomes the refrain that ends the 2nd and 4th tercets, and also appears as the penultimate line of the poem.
The 3rd line of the poem ends the 3rd and 5th tercets, and becomes the last line of the poem.

The last stanza (quatrain) contains both refrains as the final two lines.

The villanelle creates a musical and circular feeling—great for themes of obsession, nature, or time.
English Sonnet (Shakespearean Sonnet)
An English Sonnet is:

14 lines long.
Written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line, unstressed-stressed pattern).
Rhymed abab cdcd efef gg, meaning:

3 quatrains (4-line stanzas) with alternating rhymes.
Followed by a couplet (2 rhyming lines) at the end, often delivering a twist or conclusion.

Sample Villanelle poem from

April by Emile J. Pinet
Ushering in the first warm days of springsubservient to Mother Nature’s call,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
Flowers await rains April showers bring,from a light drizzle to a tempest squall,ushering in the first warm days of spring.
As migrating birds once again take wingsufficiently prepared for the long haul,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
April melts away icicles that clingand snowdrifts covering colors of Fall,ushering in the first warm days of spring.
Being born in April, I’ve felt Her sting,but even though She sometimes plays hardball,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
As winter wains, April is everything,wearing misty drops as Her morning shawl.Ushering in the gentle warmth of spring,April starts the season; sweet songbirds sing.
(Villanelle)

Meet and Greet - June 14th
2025-06-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual

June Open Mic 2025
2025-06-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
🌸 This month, we’re spotlighting the Villanelle, a beautifully structured form full of repetition and rhyme. Want to give it a try? We’ll guide you through it, or you can just come to listen and be inspired.
Date: June 19th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/2ps5dtt3

Meet and Greet - July 12th
2025-07-12 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual

July Open Mic 2025
2025-07-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: July 17th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/2tvj5pww

August Open Mic 2025
2025-08-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there! We like to challenge our members by suggesting a specific poem form, but please feel free to attend with anything you would like to share!
Date: August 21st
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/56vwcnha
This month’s featured form is the Cinquain — a short and powerful five-line poem that packs emotion and imagery into just a few words. Whether you’re writing in the classic American Cinquain style or experimenting with your own variation, we’d love to hear it!

✍️ What’s a Cinquain?
A Cinquain is a five-line poem with a specific structure. Here’s a common pattern:

Line 1: One word (title or subject)
Line 2: Two words (describing the subject)
Line 3: Three words (showing action)
Line 4: Four words (feeling or a complete sentence)
Line 5: One word (synonym or summary of the subject)

📝 Cinquain Examples:
Example 1:FirefliesSilent lightsFloating through darknessBringing wonder to nightGlow
Example 2:KindnessGentle, warmLifting, healing, soothingSoft strength wrapped in careGift

🌟 You’re welcome to read a Cinquain or any poem of your choice! Come share your words or simply listen and be inspired.
Let’s gather to celebrate creativity, community, and the beauty of brevity in poetry. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve written! 🎙️

September Open Mic 2025
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there! We like to challenge our members by suggesting a specific poem form, but please feel free to attend with anything you would like to share!
Date: September 18th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/42d94dvk

Member Meeting – October 11th
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
We are hosting an open Member Meeting on October 11th @ 11am
You are invited for our meeting at 11am until 1pm on Zoom. Feel free to drop in at 11am and leave at any time.
We want to hear from you and join in on the discussion. This is an informal meeting that we’ll use to take feedback and questions.
Quick Notes on what we’ll be discussing:

Poems can be submitted for Open Mic and can be included within our Chapbook (submit to President)
Upcoming and planned events from GPS
New Membership platform and features

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89024313759?pwd=[REDACTED]

October Open Mic 2025
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there! We like to challenge our members by suggesting a specific poem form, but please feel free to attend with anything you would like to share!
Date: October 16th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/3fs5pwbx

Meet and Greet – November 8th
2025-11-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual

November Open Mic 2025
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
🎉📚 We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Poetry-Focused Open Mic Night happening the 3rd Thursday of the month! 🌟🎶
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just getting started, come on down and share your beautiful verses or simply soak up the magic of spoken word. 📖🎙️
This event is all about celebrating the beauty of poetry in all its forms. So, grab your friends, your favorite poems, and join us for a night filled with heartfelt expressions and poetic vibes. 🎤📜
The event will take place on Zoom and saved to YouTube. Be aware that your poem that is read during the Open Mic will be broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Let your metaphors bloom and your emotions shine through the power of poetry. We can’t wait to see you there! We like to challenge our members by suggesting a specific poem form, but please feel free to attend with anything you would like to share!
Date: November 20th
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom Registration – https://tinyurl.com/2s43brvc
