There are many different avenues for self-expression in Athens. There are multiple bars with different nights of open-mic for musicians that have proven to be a valuable source for entertainment as well as enrichment. One of the most personal and, perhaps, most affecting, however, is that held one night a week at Donkey Coffee, where open-mic is reserved strictly for Athens community writers of all kinds.

Todd_TeenAngstPoetry

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The open-minded crowd and relaxing atmosphere makes Donkey’s Designated Space a perfect place for self-expression, one of the most pertinent portions of self-reflection.  Every Tuesday, starting at 9 p.m., the Donkey stage is set for poets to bare there souls and read their poetry for the masses. Whether it is a poem about a broken heart or a cup of coffee, each poet adds something to the mix and invited everyone in the room to share their sentiments.

This week was filled with a great assortment of talent and interesting points of view. There were poems about drug addiction and recreation, love found and lost, cups of mocha and black bears. There were no boundaries; poets spoke freely about illegal substances and sex, leaving no foul language unsaid. It is an eye-opening and interesting experience, to say the least.

Leaving this week’s poetry night, I was inspired to finally pick up my pen again, start writing and, perhaps, share my own poems on the stage in the future. Personally, I find writing to be one of the most freeing forms of expression and the key to happiness. If ever I have something to sort out, I find it best to do it on paper before opening my mouth. Perhaps the listeners at Designated Space will be my next audience and allow me to unveil my feelings in one of the most open forms of writing there is: poetry.

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