Keep your weather eye open. I hear there’s going to be a drive-by today. No need for a bullet proof vest though, the barrage will be a hail of words. Performance artist Andrew Hunter may be at your bank, or next to you in line at Subway when he bursts forth. Or if you like your lettuce with lyric verse, students from across Acadiana will be poetizing as well, some in their own school cafeterias, some in the produce aisle of the local superette. Whence commeth this pandemic of poetry? It’s the prelude to next week’s Festival of Words.
The five-day literary event takes place next week, October 27-31, at various locations in Grand Coteau, Sunset and Arnaudville. Poets Cornelius Eady, Mona Lisa Saloy and Darrell Bourque are three of the headliners, as well as students from the surrounding schools. There will be workshops, readings, open mic night, a writing contest and more, says organizer Patrice Melnick. The three small towns are set for a convergence of rhythm and rhyme, poetry is expected to break out in coffee shops, boutiques, church naves and, of course, in the street.
For the schedule for the drive-by and festival, or more info, go to the Festival of Words Web site, or call Melnick at 254-9695.
Photo: Cornelius Eady