Event focuses the power of poetry

SANDPOINT — The power of the spoken world will be celebrated at the annual 100,000 Poets for Change event this weekend.

Lost Horse Press, the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and the Sandpoint Library are co-sponsoring the 10th annual event that will take place simultaneously with over 800 other open mics across the globe.

On Sept. 30, over 100,000 poets, artists and musicians from a diverse range of countries will be gathering in their towns and cities to promote the positive change they hope to see in the world through spoken or visual art. Topics for entries can be inspired by personal, social, environmental, economic or political change the artist wishes for.

Sandpoint’s event will take place at the First Presbyterian Church Peace Garden, where participants will present their own pieces and listen to others.

This year’s theme is embodied by a quote from Ukrainian poet and writer Serhiy Zhadan:

“Let’s be brave this summer. Let’s be patient, let’s be generous.”

Christine Holbert, Lost Horse Press publisher, said the quote is an important inspiration for contributions this year because it relates to the social climate in the United States.

“As well as addressing the Russian occupation of Ukraine, this phrase can also be applied to our own country that has been experiencing surprisingly disturbing divisiveness for the past few years,” Christine Lysnewycz Holbert, publisher at Lost Horse Press, said. “We, the people, need to change this trend to return to a way of life that respects everyone’s freedoms, rights and life choices.”

Those who wish to participate can bring their submissions with them and register at the beginning of the event.

“Bring your poems, stories, songs or other formats for your positive expressions of the kind of change you’d like to see happen to improve ourselves, our communities and the world,” Holbert said.

The open mic event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at 417 N. Fourth Ave., Sandpoint.