Local Writers Work to Revive Poetry Scene in Heights

Compared to other art forms such as music, the poetry scene can at times be somewhat sadly forgotten, but Shaina Tullo is trying to change all that.

A writer and leader of a local writing circle, Tullo has been organizing an open mic, poetry reading event which is quickly making a home here in Hasbrouck Heights.

The borough’s library hosted the second open mic event Tuesday night, a follow-up to the first event held back in March. Once again Tullo, a resident of nearby Moonachie, brought together writers from her local group to read poems and short stories and perform a comedy sketch.

The event attracted area writers who joined in on the reading such as Michael Labriola of nearby Garfield. Labriola read from his collection of poetry entitled “Water Colored Pearls.” One of his pieces, “The Cedar Tree” was inspired by some time he spent in Lebanon where he was sent on assignment as a photographer for the Associated Press.

Sally Hourigan read a piece called “Rent Redux” which was inspired by her struggles as a renter in the state. In her piece she basically tells the cast of the musical  “Rent” what renting is really like in a fun and humorous way. Later she was joined by Tullo and Manny Valerio to act out a comedy sketch that picked fun at the “Twilight” vampire series which had the audience laughing non-stop.

Tullo read several selections from her manuscript, a collection of poetry entitled “American Grotesque.” Usually she reads many examples of her work which can be found to be dark, scary and grotesque, she said, but on this night she decided not to read such selections. Instead she read various other pieces such as “Substance” which captures the feeling a dark poet may have if he or she were to find such a happiness that he or she may never find another hurtful thing to write about ever again. She also read "The Bleeding Joke" inspired by an assumption many may have about women.

Kaitlin Tonti read a compelling piece that was based on the point of view of a woman facing trial for murder while Bridget Castner also shared two of her poems with the audience.

Tullo hopes that these open mic nights at the library will become a regular thing and plans to present more events in the near future.