Ribbon Cutting at the Barn

The Poetry Barn’s ribbon-cutting was filled with excitement and verse. From fire spinners to an open mic, the intimacy and breadth of the Poetry Barn was on display the entire night. The opening of the lending library was an exclamation point at the end of an already thriving artist community. As a space, the Barn has come together as a perfect place to retreat and write. I have spent time surrounded by it’s books pondering my own creativity and have come away inspired. The Poetry Barn is aesthetically beautiful, from the new art installation to the stacks, and the ribbon cutting was nothing short of a testament to the commitment of those involved with the community. Well-attended with an open mic full-to-the-brim, the ribbon-cutting was a celebration of the wonder that Lissa Kiernan has created. Poets spoke to the setting sun as it foreshadowed the fiery night. As those who attended took a moment of silence to watch the purple evening, it seemed that the Barn had become the catalyst of inspiration. Then the reading continued into the night. Fire twirled as people dispersed. Lingering conversation around a bonfire, and a powerful place for words was solidified. 

—Ryan Clinesmith