POEM STARTED WITH A QUOTE FROM A STEVEN SEAGAL (seriously)

I thought he had quit. Woulda ended the Art Bar Poetry Series record breaking 30-year run

Paul Edward Costa at the Clinton House mike

@sweirsweir It all began with former Mississauga Poet Laureate Paul Edward Costa at the mike at the conclusion of last Tuesday night's Art Bar Poetry Series. Two real poets had read their work followed by an hour long Open Mike - ten cell phone readings by members of the 30+ audience. Costa was there to close the show, beg people to put away their trash/chairs, settle their tabs and pitch next week's $10 2-hr show.

It was held, as always, in Toronto's Clinton House's (Clinton /Bloor Street) seedy backroom. Perfect for free form poetry; grab your own seat, serve yourself a beer from the stand-up cooler, and try not heckle or jeer the talent.  

The weekly volunteer run event has been going for over 30 years. Thought I might have witnessed the last show of this impressive event run - longest in Canada. Costa, the organiser, the photographer, the marketeer and webmaster had a Chernobyl sized melt-down on stage when he forgot the words to one of his poem. 

The published poet prides himself on reciting his work each week without reading from notes or looking at his cell phone (as most Open Mike wanna be poets do). 

He stumbled during his turn on the stage and couldn't remember the lines. Refused sympathy applause and yelled out that he wanted to quit it all, leave the city and criss-cross Canada to recite his poems in Speakeasys like the Clinton in 10 provinces. He figured the stress of his workload on Tuesdays is hurting his memory and his ability to perform. 

Strange way to end it all.

Guess he cooled down. Just got a Twitter promoting this Tuesday's 7 pm programme featuring Vironika Wilde @vtugaleva and Jessica Robinson @hey_jeska. Flyer printed below.

I was at the Clinton House to hear Windsor University's poet (and my 4th year professor) Louis Cabri. Flyer printed below, He stole the show!

Louis in motion

Best Open Mike performer? An elderly man (like me) who recited a poem he penned to his mother assuring her that it wasn't the bidet that made him gay ('But I do like warm water on my asshole,' he said). Wish I knew his name. Wish I had a copy of the poem!

BTW - trying to find a copy of the poem Costa had issues with. Know it starts with a quote from a Steven Segeal movie but the rest is a blank. Will haunt me.