Written by Trent Thompkins, intern with The Messenger

The city of Troy play host to a Poet’s Square Event every third Saturday until October. The Poet’s Square brings together up-and-coming as well as established writers, poets, and singers and gives them the means to express themselves on a public platform.

Writer, author, and minister Kimberley McClure is responsible for bringing this artistic event to life. “I just wanted to bring something new to the table for the city of Troy with the usage of written art and spoken word,” she said. McClure, a long-time resident of Troy, wrote Forbidden Fruit and Son of the Forgiven. She also has been an active minister at the Cornerstone of Life Church since 2010.

The process began about a year ago when McClure brought together different poets in the surrounding area to do what they do best, poetry. Through the success of last year’s poetry reading, McClure was not only able to get the city to participate in the activity once again, but was also allowed to extend the event into a series of spoken word sessions for the public’s entertainment.

The event officially began with roughly 30 people and three guest poets in attendance. McClure says she hopes for an even bigger outcome this Saturday. “I also want to bring in singing this time around,” she said in hopes of slightly expanding the event.

McClure asks that all poets interested in joining the Poet’s Square Event submit their poetry online before Friday at www.poetssquare.com. There, they can read guidelines and other pertinent information. “People can come as they are to the event, we hope to see as many faces as possible,” she said.

The Poet’s Square Event is from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Troy on the Square every third Saturday.