Fifteen minutes before the event was scheduled to begin, Denver author and poet Linda C. Shaw was worried about the empty chairs in the semi-circle in front of her. She wondered if anyone would show up and stand up at the poetry slam event she created working with leaders at the Senior Planet from AARP in Lowry.

“I love the spoken word. I love the written word. I love people. I love the art of communication and conversation,” Shaw said. “I enjoy using my voice to share encouragement, love, and to help people when they’re feeling a little down, when they need a lift up, because it’s so easy to do with a kind word.”

She said she didn’t expect anyone to be completely ready for this first slam, an event designed for competition and original work. As it turned out, her encouraging welcome opened the door for others.

“When we all come together and perform in the same direction, the power and the synergy that’s in the room can change the atmosphere, and it just releases so much joy and relaxation and community that opens the door to engagement and making new friends and learning new things,” Shaw told the people who now filled those formerly empty chairs.

She handed off the microphone to the first of the poets who braved the trip to the podium: Chad, who read his poems, “Kiss Me Fool” and “Two Cents.” The ice was broken and hands were lifted as Shaw scanned the now-filled room, looking for the next writer.

Judy, Sheila, Martha, John O., and Charlene followed, offering poems about aging, the ocean, illness, and the journey to sobriety.

Then Kathy Holmes performed her poem about the growing season:

Oh Garden. Oh Garden.

A Shakespearean voice rises within as I crave the spring, I shall shuffle off this mortal coil that winter has given. 

And while I understand that all that glitters is not gold, I make it the garden while wearing my heart on my sleeve. For gold is not what I see, I simply beckon what the soil giveth all the while knowing thyself.

 Wherefore I offer my nurturing soul only to succumb to what the earth will decide…to be or not to be.

Cheers of encouragement filled the room for Holmes and others as more original work was shared for a full hour, along with the reading of already published pieces.

Afterward, Shaw dubbed the event a success, as she recalled her pre-show hesitation. She said she hopes for more poetry events ahead at the Lowry center. She’s a big fan of the people there—so much so that she penned her own poem that read in part:

It’s called Lowry Senior Planet. 

It’s an AARP thing, and because it’s for older adults, please don’t take it for granted. 

This is a state-of-the-art technology learning hub for older adults. 

Technology services was created to take you higher with classes on Google workspace, iPhones, and Samsungs too. And if photography is your thing, your phone will work wonders for you. 

Lowry Senior Planet, at 7585 E Academy Blvd. in Denver, welcomes poets, or anyone who has an idea for a future event. For information, visit tinyurl.com/FrontPorchSeniorPlanet.

Front Porch photos by Christie Gosch