Poetry at the Art Center: Readers, Writers, and Listeners Wanted!
Join us at the Bonham Creative Arts Center for a monthly celebration of poetry in all its forms. Whether you write your own verses, love to share favorite poems, or simply enjoy listening to the power of words, you’ve found your community!
Each month, we’ll explore a different theme and poetic form, creating a relaxed space where poetry becomes accessible and alive. Share in any or all of our three rounds:
Round 1: Theme-based poems. You choose what the theme of the month means to you.
Round 2: Explorations of form. Share poems that fit the Literary Form of the Month. To find poems to share, simply ask your favorite web browser or AI assistant “Please help me find poems that feature [this month’s technique].”
Round 3: Open choice finale. If you want to share a winter poem in July, go for it! Love reading “The Raven” out loud? Do it! (Time limit is two minutes, so choose your favorite stanzas.)
No experience needed – just bring your love of language. We even have poems on hand if you’d like to join in but haven’t brought your own.
This adult (18+) group embraces poetry’s full range, from playful to profound. Come discover how poetic forms can serve feeling, and how ancient patterns can amplify modern voices. No critiques, no pressure – just the joy of experiencing poetry together.
Generally on Thursdays evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Questions? Contact: Michelle Haynes (949) 350-5335 | estellasheshop@gmail.com
2026 Schedule
Click the button(s) below to register!
Monthly Themes & Forms for April 2026
Join us Thursday, April 23, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Bonham Creative Arts Center for an evening of poetry.
April Poetry Meeting:
Hello poetry fans! Gosh ~ super sorry for this late invitation! I’d blame it on a busy month (it definitely has been!), but I post this late every month, so that excuse won’t do.
Theme: “Small Things” — An invitation to zoom in on what’s easily overlooked: a button, a hummingbird, a 2 a.m. sound, a child’s question, a crack in the sidewalk. It celebrates close observation, which is the heart of poetry. Any form is fine.
Form: Erasure (or blackout) poetry — Start with an existing text (a newspaper article, a page from a book, a menu) and create a poem by crossing out words, leaving only the ones that form the new piece. It’s incredibly accessible because no one has to generate words from scratch, yet it demands a sharp editorial eye. Very visual and tactile!
Example from author Kate Baer:
The original message read: “I wish you would stick to poetry instead of constantly being political, just one reader preference / Have you ever thought what would happen if the police disappeared? / Is what you say going to change anything? (No) / when you stay in your lane, better connection happens / I know staying silent isn’t cool but just a thought.”
The poem after words words crossed out:
“I wish you would // disappear / is what you say / when you stay / silent.”
More here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/nov/12/blanked-verse-the-power-of-erasure-poetry
Looking forward to seeing you in-person or online!
~ Michelle
(949) 350-5335
When
Thursday April 23, 2026 ⋅ 6:30pm – 8pm (Central Time – Chicago)
Location
Creative Arts Center, 200 W 5th St, Bonham, TX 75418, USA
Please Register
While it is free to attend, we do strongly prefer that you register so we can adequately prepare the space for the event. Also, in the event of a last minute cancellation, we will know to contact you directly to let you know. Click the button(s) on this page, which correspond to the date you are planning on attending.