A Summer of Poetry on the Porch

By Victoria (Tori) Martinez

What is a poet? This is a question I’ve asked myself many times over the years.  What I discovered is that the answer to that question is different for everyone. So, I gathered lines of poetry, music, and quotes from some of the greats throughout history and used them to create a poem about what I think a poet is. The poem below is included in my upcoming poetry collection “World of the Chronic.” I hope you look up some of the poets I refer to.

A POET

^[i]Poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition. ^[ii]Their poetry can be dangerous, especially beautiful poetry because it gives the illusion of having had the experience without going through it. ^[iii]And when power leads a person toward arrogance, poetry reminds us of our limitations. When power narrows the area of a person's concern, poetry reminds of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts poetry cleanses. ^[iv]Genuine poetry can communicate before it is ever understood. ^[v]A poet’s work is to name the unnamable, to point out the frauds, to take sides, to start arguments, to shape the world, and stop it from going to sleep.

ⁱ Eli Khamalov

ⁱⁱ Rumi

ⁱⁱⁱ JFK

^iv  T.S. Elliot

^v Salman Rush

This summer, I invite you into a space of poetry, reflection, storytelling, and community at the Center for Colorado Women’s History. I’m honored to be one of the featured poets in their Poetry on the Porch summer series. A gathering where words are meant to be felt, shared, and carried with us long after the event ends.

“Come for the poetry and stay for the connection.”

Each Saturday in July, a different poet will take the stage, offering their own stories, perspectives, and lived experiences through poetry. Following every featured reading, guests are invited to participate in an open mic for an opportunity to share your own voice in a welcoming and encouraging space. The event is free and open to the public, any donations raised throughout the series will help support future educational programming and opportunities for local artists like those featured.

In addition to sharing my own work, I’ll also be creating a collaborative community poem centered on the influential women of Colorado and the influential women in our own lives. It’s an opportunity to talk about the women who shaped us, carried us, inspired us, or helped us become who we are. I would love for you to be part of it. During the event, there will be a dedicated space where you can share stories, memories, or reflections about the women who have impacted your life, helping to create something meaningful together.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience Votes and Dreams, the museum’s current exhibit highlighting the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of Colorado women activists and leaders who worked to create a better future through advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement.

Can’t wait to see you there!