In recognition of Black History Month, the Community Coalition on Race hosted a Poetry Art Circle designed to bring people of different races and backgrounds together through shared creative expression. As part of our ongoing commitment to integrated art circles, the evening created space for honest dialogue, reflection, and connection across difference—using poetry as a bridge.

Led by Eric Shorter, the program centered on a deceptively simple theme: nervousness.

Inspired by a conversation during interviews for the Progressive magazine article, More Than Neighbors, Eric reflected on a lesson from an acting instructor—to locate one’s “nervous point” and use that energy to move forward with greater authenticity. That idea became the foundation for an evening of poetry exploring the questions: Do I make you nervous? Do you make me feel nervous? What barriers shape our reactions and relationships across difference—and what happens when that tension is resolved?

The evening featured a remarkable panel of poets:

• Tina Kelley, who read “A National Monument Crosses Over” and “In Urgent Need of Serenity.”

• Heru Stewart, who shared selections including “(More) Flowers 4 Patricia,” “Shadow,” and “On Landing.”

• Jung Hae Chae, who read “Grief” and “A (Near) Ghazal for Those Living Without Comfort.”

• Kathy Kremins, who presented “On Burning (Roseville)” and “Court and Spark – with thanks to Joni Mitchell.”

• Eric Shorter, who opened with Gwendolyn Brooks’ “Paul Robeson” and shared original work including “NATIVE” and “The Kick & The Snare.”

Poetry was chosen as the focal art form because, as Eric noted, it carries virtually no barrier of entry—just pen, paper, and the willingness to write. Participants began with a ten-minute free-write exercise, reflecting on what nervousness means and how it shapes our responses. Small group conversations followed, allowing participants to share and discover unexpected connections.

The workshop concluded with an experimental poetry form Eric created—the Mandorla (or Vesica Piscis) Poem—placing the word “nervous” at the center and building intersecting arcs of opposing and related words drawn from the group’s reflections.

The result was an evening of honesty, vulnerability, creativity, and connection. As Eric shared afterward, “We were thrilled to work together with such an amazing group of people. We are truly grateful to everyone at the Community Coalition on Race and the Maplewood Memorial Library for making it possible. We look forward to continuing this good work and bringing that joy to the community.”

Through poetry, participants found not only their nervous point—but also the relief, insight, and community that can emerge when we move toward it together. This event also reflected our 2026 theme, “Do Not Erase Our History,” by honoring lived experience and shared expression as essential to understanding and bridging our differences.

Books by Featured Poets 

• Tina Kelley – Rise Wildly, Abloom & Awry, Precise, The Gospel of Galore: Available through booksellers and CavanKerry Press.

• Heru Stewart – Poems from Caesar’s Ghost, Pt. 1 & 2, 109 Days: Available at hs1artsandeducation.com

• Jung Hae Chae - Pojangmacha People (Graywolf Press, 2025)

• Kathy Kremins – Poetry collections listed at https://www.kathykremins.com/books-1