PJ’s Coffee house usually has a subdued relaxing atmosphere, with soft background music; people sitting comfortably at their laptops or in quiet conversation, ignoring the frenzy at the checkout counter — a world within itself — a place to settle before or after the trials of everyday life; usually! — except on the first Tuesday of the month when the Picayune Writers’ Group hosts their Open Mike. Then, at six-fifteen, the atmosphere changes. You see people scurrying about, getting ready, the nervous look on the faces of the presenters, the music is lowered and the Karaoke machine is turned on. “Testing – testing” – and it begins. Chairs are pulled closer to the podium, people stare in apt attention and the program begins. Poems and short stories delight the eager crowd and applause follows each presenter.

The talent of everyday folks is amazing, but there is one performer who stands out among the rest. Her name is Promise, a ten year old young lady whose sweet voice echoes the songs of angels. She has recited her poems at every Open Mike except the last. What happened is a commentary on human nature. After the September event she returned home and wrote a sad Indian song/poem called Beating Drum and practiced its recital in preparation for the October event. When the time came Promise did not appear at the podium. You see, when an artist creates something close to their heart, sometimes it’s difficult to share. Fortunately for everyone, she allowed another to present for her. The audience was enthralled by her Mother, Lorrie Beth’s melodic voice and rhythmic beat of the tum-tum as she performed the piece.

There is a temptation to publish the words of Promise’s poem here, but maybe, just maybe, with our encouragement, Promise will join her mother in an encore at the November 6th Open Mike.

Grandmother, Judith hosted the presenters and charmed the good people of Mississippi with her creative version of an Upside Down Fairy Tale, Little Tom.

Open Mike Night is all inclusive. Everyone is welcome, so come share your artistic expression or just come to listen and celebrate the talent of your friends and neighbors. Art begs us all to watch and listen and perform.