Staying at home was alright at first. There was writing to catch up on, books to read, pets to keep us company, and a bountiful selection of movies to watch. Everything seemed good to go once we settled into it. Plus, we already had practiced social distancing as teenagers social distancing from our parents. But as time went on, this independence morphed into feelings of boredom and loneliness, not to mention it might have been time to brush our teeth. We realized that amid this peculiarity and isolation, the artistic community needed a way to come to grips with this new reality. There needed to be a program that helped artists whose income had depended on the ability to perform. So, The New York Poetry Society decided to spend time under the blue hue of the internet’s pixelated glow and devise a plan.
With poets plenty, hopeful of getting their words out into the hearts and minds of literary lovers, Poet Stream was created. What’s Poet Stream? Glad you asked. It’s a literary video-chat service in which poets share their original poetry with individuals and small audiences in homes around the globe! Pretty cool, right?
Poet Stream has a quirky group to pick from - witches, a medium, a deathrock dandy native, two clownish poetesses dying to tell you about their swamp Yankee grandparents, and more. If you have a hard time picking which poet to choose from (we don’t blame you), artist photos are provided on Poet Stream with each poet’s bio, work sample, & personal appointment calendar. The good news is you don’t have to pick one! And if you ~love~ your live reading, you can keep coming back for more by booking recurring appointments with the poets on the daily (or even weekly or monthly).
If you’re in a pinch for time, between your movie marathons, trying to decide if you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, and writing the next bestseller, you can book a quick 10-minute session. However, if you have a bit more time on your hands, Poet Stream also offers 30-minute and 50-minute sessions. We’re hopeful that this project will alleviate feelings of separation, isolation, boredom, and loneliness for both artist and audience no matter the amount of time.
Feeling shy from not seeing anyone for a while? Us too… if you’re a bit camera shy, consider gifting Poet Stream to a friend or family member instead! PSNY is also giving away free Poet Stream sessions to folks who are 65+ (don’t worry, we’ll tell everyone you’re not a day over 23 if you prefer).
Well, what are you waiting for? Wherever you are, Poet Stream is only a few clicks away! With accessible poetry readings, washed hands, and standing 6-feet apart, let’s go anti-viral together.