Sometimes it is hard to find the words to express emotions, but that was not a problem for the dozen poets who let their hearts take the lead during a poetry open mic night at the Banbridge Artisan Resource Network Jan. 19.

More than 75 guests listened to expressive prose from poets who shared their deepest thoughts, loves and comments about everyday life. The events take place the third Thursday of every month.

“After listening to people read poetry like this, you notice things around you more than you did before. More things pop out at you that you didn’t notice,” said Jess Henderson, BARN development manager who listened to her daughter recite a poem. “There’s beauty in the little details around us.”

The first poet was Kathryn Smith, whose poetry is deeply rooted in the natural world. She read a poem from her recent collection, “Self-Portrait with Cephalopod.”

She is the January Bloedel Reserve creative resident. Bloedel hosts 10-12 creative thinkers each year who are exploring the human connection to nature. Residents stay at the 150-acre Forest Garden for three weeks to immerse themselves in the environment and their work.

She recited a poem about stepping on the heads of creatures on the beach, which at first may sound funny, but it later had a deeper meaning about how we treat creatures and people.

Another poet, Gwen Mansfield, described her pain and anguish for the war in Ukraine as she expressed love for the people she knew there. Another woman recited a poem about how much she loves her cat … sometimes more than her husband, but isn’t willing to admit it to him.

BI Poet Laureate Michele Bombardier led the event in partnership with Arts & Humanities Bainbridge, the city of BI, Bloedel Reserve and the BARN.

BI poet David Hecker thumbs through a stack of poems during his turn at the podium.

Kathryn Smith, the January 2023 Bloedel Reserve creative resident, autographs one of her poetry books for Amanda Williamsen, who read a poem about cats at the BARN Open Mic night Jan. 19.