The poetic lines that spin through your head throughout the day have an opportunity to be told.
While it may not be classified as a degree, Palomar students have the opportunity to take their poetry skills to a professional level.
Professor Joseph Limer of the Political Science Department has created a safe environment for anyone, whether they are a Palomar student or not, to come and get their story out on paper.
While this group has coined the official “Palomar’s Poetry Club” title, it is more so for bylaws. The students of the organization desired for their poetry to be heard, minus the formality.
“It’s like Dead Poets Society. Poetry for poetry’s sake,” Limer stated. “Even now, we can meet really anywhere.”
When they do meet, it is to hear one another with their own level of communication.
The idea to create this sort of club at Palomar derives from a meeting Limer had attended for MiraCosta College’s Performance Writer’s Club.
Professors Anthony Blacksher and Bruce Hoskins were preparing for a spoken word event held each semester. This became the motive to start a poetry club on campus to give Palomar students an equal opportunity.
“I truly believe anyone can be a poet as long as you have a voice,” Limer said. “My workshops are designed to get people to look at their truths – ugly and beautiful.”
He spoke of a group of students from a previous semester that went on to compete in the national slam poetry, that many poets have roots at Palomar College.
Being well known for his ability to perform in the spoken word, and to teach others as well, Limer encourages students to tell their stories, and to be creative with that honesty.
According to powerpoetry.com, “Spoken Word is writing that is meant to be read out loud. Some examples of spoken word you might be familiar with are stories, poems, monologues, slam poetry, rap and even stand-up comedy.”
Limer’s journey as a poet began at the same time he began studying to become an English major and the two thrived off one another. However, pieces he wrote during this time, he kept for himself and is able to identify with those who do the same.
“I was always into poetry,” Limer said. “But I was a closet poet.”
It was not until Limer had participated in an open mic night and seen his poetry in motion with an audience response, that he felt the need to be honest, to speak on private matters of his own life and social issues.
Anyone is invited to come to the poetry club meetings. Being an English major or a poet is not mandatory.
“It’s a safe space. A refuge,“ Limer said. “A place where you can let go creatively and not be judged.”
The Poetry Club meets at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday in MD-303.
