Hays Poetry Group connects local poets, prepares for upcoming poetry contest

BY ANNISTON WEBER

PHOTOS BY GARY LI AND TREVOR PFEIFER

The Hays Poetry Group hosted a poetry workshop on March 10 at the Hays Public Library in preparation of the upcoming poetry contest event.

The 20th Annual Hays Public Library Poetry Contest will be held on April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery at the Hays Public Library. Eric Norris, the Kansas State Librarian will be attending to give an introduction to the contest – which is free and open to the public, however, contestants must be 16 years of age or older. The first-place winner will receive a $75 chamber cheque and have their name engraved in the Hays Public Library plaque, and the second-place winner will receive a $50 chamber cheque. In addition to the prizes, all contest entries are published in “Mirrors,” the Hays Public Library literary journal.

Hays Poetry Group meets monthly to discuss and share new poetry. Meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Paisley Pair. Club coordinator Dawne Leiker said that works examined can be poems written by group members as well as poetry written by other authors.

“We can ask questions about our own poetry like, ‘Is this idea working,’ or asking if we need help developing a thought,” Leiker said. “But we also look at the works of other poets and discuss what we like about their poetry and how we can emulate them.”

All forms of poetry are welcome at group meetings. From contemporary to romantic, members are happy to explore different genres of poetic work.

The group has also been doing Open Mic afternoons at the Paisley Pair every month.

“People from all over the area come to those,” she said. “We welcome people of all ages to attend and share any types of poetry they have written. The environment is really relaxing and it’s wonderful even if you just want to listen in.”

However, because of the different types of poetry allowed, Leiker warns that not all subjects may be suitable for young children.

“People write to unload emotions so some of the work can get a little graphic,” she said. “I’d recommend that parents who want to bring their children use their own discretion.”

Nicole Thibodeau, a group member, said poetry is one of her favorite ways to express herself.

“If you like to write, poetry is one of the most incredible forms of writing in my opinion,” Thibodeau said. “I started writing in high school and have been active in poetry clubs since then.”

Thibodeau said she is grateful for the group.

“Poetry isn’t always what you were taught in school,” she said. “Everyone has a different process. It really is just lovely.”

For Leiker, the community aspect of the Hays Poetry Group is what she values most.

“I’ve always felt like Hays needed more poetry to be expressed,” she said. “Nobody was doing it, and it needed to be set in a community setting so we can share those things. That’s why I organized this group.”

For more information about the Hays Poetry Group, contact Dawne Leiker at dpleiker@gmail.com or visit the Hays Poetry Group Facebook page.

For additional information about the upcoming Poetry Contest, contact Abigail Artz at aartz@hayslibrary.org. 

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