Student poets seek off-campus inspiration
Written by Aryn Hicks | 
Many students at Methodist complain about being bored on campus, while others complain about lacking the opportunity to express their creativity. Upon venturing off campus, one might find that Downtown Fayetteville is home to an event that is gaining popularity amongst young adults. Poetry-N-Motion has become a haven for individuals wishing mingle with others who share their interest in poetry, spoken word, and freestyle lyrical performance.
Poets LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens and Yolanda “Yogii” Barnes host Poetry-N-Motion every Tuesday night at Bentley’s Night Club on Hay Street. For El’Ja and Yogii, creative expression is their occupation and home. The hosts put on a variety of events, such as writing workshops on Saturdays, which aid aspiring writers to in practicing their talent while receiving creative criticism from professionals.
Upon entering the venue, individuals are greeted with warmth and kindness from the hosts. The event enables artists, both amateurs and professionals, to showcase their talents for a respectful and receptive audience. Any individual is welcome to perform up to two pieces of work. One segment of every evening includes 30-second freestyle, in which the hosts select poets from the audience to go on stage. El’Ja and Yogii then ask the audience to choose one random word for each poet use for an impromptu piece around. The event also has theme nights, which include Random Night, In-House Slam, Battle of the Sexes, and
Love vs. Lust Night. On the last Tuesday of every month, Poetry-N-Motion features a guest artist to perform as the final act.
Poetry-N-Motion is a laid back environment full of diverse individuals. Artists of all age and race are able to interact with one another in an encouraging, empowering atmosphere. College students are welcomed to attend as both spectators and participants. The welcoming environment breaks down the dreariness of classroom blues and boredom in the residence halls. One might find it easy to relate to the deep, thought provoking works of other artists. Poems often vary, from light-hearted and comical, to deep and
impassioned.
El’Ja finds that Poetry-N-Motion acts as a sanctuary for poets and lyrical artists, stating
that “it is a blessing that individuals are able to express their souls and creativity.”
Yogii encourages everybody to “speak their piece” in the family-like environment.
Adriana Wilson, a junior Mass Communications major, attended Poetry-N-Motion for her first time. Wilson found the event to be entertaining and enlightening. “Being able to be in [an] environment with people who enjoyed [poetry] made [her] feel at home.”
Wilson, who also plays basketball for the Lady Monarchs, believes that it is especially
important for students to venture off campus to prevent boredom. Wilson states that
Poetry-N-Motion is “something different to do…it’s supporting the arts, and gives people
a better appreciation for [poetry].”
Poetry-N-Motion takes place every Tuesday evening at 8:00 P.M. at Bentley’s Night Club. For a reasonable price, ranging from $3 to $5, students can enjoy a relaxed environment with amazing entertainment. When bored on campus on Tuesday evenings, one should certainly consider driving downtown to Poetry-N-Motion; it is a definite cure for a monotonous, mundane week. For further information, visit www.reallifemuzic.com to find more poetry and lyrical events around Fayetteville.
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