Literary figures such as Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allen Poe are alive and well in the conversations of several local residents who are looking to spark more interest in poetry, especially with COVID-19 fear having lessened in the past several months.
Joan Lacombe and Roger Brock are co-founders of Aiken Poets, a group that reportedly dates back about 11-12 years but shut down in response to the pandemic, except for computer-based fellowship and readings. The group, ending its shutdown, got back into gear April 20, sharing a meal and poetry readings at AnShu Asian Cafe, in Woodside Village.
"We always meet at AnShu," said Lacombe, whose 90th birthday will be May 7. "It's comfortable, we have our own room, we can close the door, we don't bother anybody, it's just pleasant and the food is good."
Lacombe holds a unique place in local literary circles, as Aiken's poet laureate, and the group that she and Brock helped establish has had as many as 22 members. The April 20 meeting had 11 participants on hand, and hopes are to increase participation in the months ahead. Meetings are normally held on the third Thursday of each month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"It's a warm, wholesome place to be, and I'm just really enjoying it," said poet Tamell Bailey, who was part of the reunion and originally came on board in 2017 or 18. "It feeds my soul."
Lacombe noted that the group includes "a few teachers," and everyone is a reader – fond of words. Group activities years ago included a challenge for each club member to write and present a poem based on a single word, such as "seeds" or "stars," she added.
Special events over the years have included presentations at nursing homes and also, in connection with Earth Day, at Aiken County Historical Museum. Plans on the near horizon include production of an anthology, offering a collection of poems from club members, along with each writer's picture and biography.
