Poetry Vortex brewing at coffeehouse

by Adam Greenberg staff writer

The sound of a coffee machine in mid-brew fills the room as people enter with notebooks in hand. Poetry aficionados are descending into the Poetry Vortex at the Red Cloud Coffeehouse.

The Poetry Vortex is a forum where people can share poetry with others in a relaxed environment. They may present their own work or the work of a favorite author.

This program was organized by John Osborne, resident director of Xavier Hall, and senior Jared Schierbaum.

Osborne said that he and Schierbaum organized the program a year ago in an effort to bring something fresh to the Cabrini community.

"I thought the campus could use a non-mainstream program, something more creative," Osborne said.

He feels that the Poetry Vortex has been successful. Audiences are very supportive and many are reading some "great, deep, personal poetry," Osborne said.

Everyone is invited to attend, either as readers or just to listen.

While some may be hesitant to jump on stage in front of an audience to give a reading, Osborne suggests that poets bring along their work and at least come out to listen. He is confident that once they experience the relaxed atmosphere and see the warm reception given to readers, they will be willing to share their poetry.

The last Poetry Vortex was held on Monday, Oct. 26 and welcomed several readers to the coffeehouse's stage.

Veteran readers Ben Lunn, a sophomore, and Schierbaum began the evening each reading original works.

Lunn's poem, entitled "Imagine a World," offered a contrast between the evils of society versus the qualities of an ideal world. Schierbaum brought enthusiasm to his reading by delivering his work with a rhythmic, rapping style.

Other readers included Osborne, first-year student Julia Teti and first-time reader Karen Urbano.

Urbano said that she was encouraged to read by the relaxed atmosphere.

'Tm into poetry," she said of the Vortex. "I think it's a neat thing to have."