“It deeply saddens & disturbs me when I start to see poetry open mics only open to academics & students rather than a poetry mic that is open to the public, welcomes all & everyone, human beings, people of all ages to read their work. It smacks of a bizarre "primitive form of elitism" let alone it degrades the human spirit and sends the false message to kids that to be a professional writer or poet that you have to attend an over-priced college and have some sort of degree. That's like telling a punk rock musician that in order to join or form a band he needs a degree from Julliard. What completely ridiculous & arrogant nonsense.

POETRY is for EVERYONE.
As it should be.”