Rhythms and Verse: Democratizing Poetry for the Masses

Key Takeaways

• Susan Mason Scott, a local poet, shares her story of heartbreak, discovery, and expression through poetry after the loss of her son.
• Scott’s poetry journey began as a way to cope with grief and evolved into exploring various subjects, including place, family, and the natural world.
• The "Poetry in the Window" concept, where local poets’ work is displayed in shop windows, is a vibrant part of Madison’s art and poetry scene.
• The city’s music scene is thriving, with live music events happening every weekend, including a live music pub crawl on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Local poets and musicians are contributing to the city’s cultural landscape, making it a great place to discover new talent and enjoy artistic expression.

Introduction to Susan Mason Scott
You know how there can be something going on right under your nose but you are unaware for some reason? And then you discover it and it’s just the coolest thing! That’s what happened to the author when they interviewed Susan Mason Scott about her poetry. The author met Scott while walking downtown, where she was writing a poem in chalk on the sidewalk. This chance encounter led to an engaging tale of heartbreak, discovery, and expression. Scott’s story began 13 years ago when her 19-year-old son was killed in a bicycling accident involving a drunk driver. The grief and pain of this event led her to start keeping a journal and writing down her feelings as a way to cope.

The Evolution of Scott’s Poetry
The writing process eventually evolved into poems, and as time went on, Scott started to explore her thoughts and feelings about other subjects, including place, family, and the natural world. Her experiences living in various places, including Africa, Italy, and Denver, have influenced her writing. Scott’s husband, Andrew, and she have a tendency to keep moving, which they call "inertia." However, when Andrew’s company offered him a transfer to Madison, they decided to settle down and start a new chapter in their lives. As it turned out, Madison is an amazing place with a vibrant art and poetry scene, which has inspired Scott to become involved with local poets and artists.

The "Poetry in the Window" Concept
Scott’s involvement in the local poetry scene led to the creation of "Poetry in the Window," a concept where local poets’ work is displayed in shop windows for all to read and enjoy. This idea was inspired by a similar project Scott saw in Denver, where she lived previously. The poems are printed two-sided, allowing readers to enjoy them from the sidewalk or inside the store. Scott emphasizes that poetry can be literal or abstract and encourages readers to simply read and soak in the feeling it gives them, without worrying about fully understanding the meaning. By doing so, readers can appreciate the sonic beauty of poetry, where the sounds of the words are just as important as the literal meaning.

The Thriving Music Scene in Madison
In addition to the thriving poetry scene, Madison’s music scene is also vibrant, with live music events happening every weekend. The author, Charlie Rohlfing, highlights the various music events taking place on Fridays and Saturdays, including a live music pub crawl with no cover charge. The events feature a range of music genres, from jazz to classic rock, and karaoke. Rohlfing notes that the music scene in Madison never quiets down, even during the colder weather and holiday season. The city’s motto, "Live Music Every Weekend," is a testament to its thriving cultural landscape.

Conclusion and Upcoming Events
In conclusion, Susan Mason Scott’s story is a testament to the power of art and expression in coping with grief and finding meaning. The "Poetry in the Window" concept is a unique and exciting way to experience poetry, and Madison’s music scene is a great place to discover new talent and enjoy live music. For those interested in exploring the city’s cultural landscape, there are plenty of upcoming events to look forward to, including the live music pub crawl on Fridays and Saturdays. With its vibrant art and music scene, Madison is a city that has something to offer everyone, making it a great place to visit or live.