Poetry lovers from across the region gathered in Binalong recently for the latest instalment of A Brush with Poetry, a long-running open mic event hosted by the Binalong Arts Group. Usually held at Café on Queen, this session moved to the Hotel Binalong due to a temporary closure of the café, but the new setting offered the same warm, country hospitality regulars have come to expect.
The event, which runs on the ourth Sunday of every other month, welcomed poets and listeners from Harden, Young, Yass, Canberra, and even as far as Sydney.
The July session featured a special theme in celebration of the Japanese Tanabata Festival, which honours the stars and celestial folklore. Attendees were encouraged to bring poems about stars or inspired by Japanese poetry.
Canberra poet Janne Graham shared some beautifully crafted Japanese-style verses, while local favourites ike Liz Murphy and Colin Campbell brought their own unique voices to the mix.
Binalong Arts Group President, Robyn Sykes, who also performed on the day, said the event continues to grow in reach and variety.
“We’ve been running this for 12 years now,” she said. “It’s a beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon sharing stories, having a laugh, and connecting through poetry.”
Robyn, an award-winning poet and member of the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame, spoke of the deeper value of poetry in her own life. “It helps me make sense of the world,” she said.
“And often, if something I’ve written resonates with me, it will resonate with someone else too. That’s the power of poetry.”
Attendees enjoyed a mix of humorous, heartfelt, and reflective poems, showcasing a wide range of styles from traditional bush poetry to contemporary free verse.
The open mic format allowed newcomers and seasoned writers alike to step up and share their work in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere.
Looking ahead, A Brush with Poetry will return in September, with a special feature in the launch of a new book by poet David Judge.
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