Opened since December 2009, the Lyrical Café, owned by Kamille Kamala has been open to artistic individuals who have a hunger for the spoken word. The atmosphere was supportive and intimate, 30 people were seated in the laid back environment with dim lighting and an eagerness to hear what inspiring lyrics awaited them. To members new and old, cheers and claps went around after each recital. Jayed Jewell, who owns her own poetry lounge in SL® called the Flow Poetry Lounge, was the host for the open mic night. She also recited some poetry of her own while combining music, which blended well together. “I believe that music and poetry are mutual inspirations... particularly poetry and jazz, it starts the poetic vibe flowing” says Jayed. From Tearrah Aries who spoke about Hip Hop, to Sabreman Carter who talked about “the Doghouse on Christmas eve”, the collection of recited words varied. Rhapsodii Abbot, who has been writing poetry since the age of 9, recited her poetry at Lyrical for the very first time that night. Her poem, titled “I’m Leaving” received positive support from the crowd and she even lent her vocals to Brian McKnight’s “Still in Love”. “Honestly, it was liberating, I have been trying to voice here for a while. My opportunity came tonight and I was blessed” Rhapsodii said about the experience. After the open mic event, I asked Kamille a few questions regarding the Lyrical Café and poetry.
Augusta Carver: What were your inspirations for opening the Lyrical Cafe? Kamille Kamala: I opened the Lyrical Cafe because I wanted to host a poetry club. I wanted to create a place that allowed the freedom of expression through poetry. This venue was created as an alternative spot for poetry amongst others that are famous in the game such as the Blue Angel’s Poets Dive and the Midnight Poets Retreat along with many others who are just as reputable and notable. To have a place that would become home to many poets who wanted somewhere to read their work and develop their craft amongst fellow artists. AC: What do you find is the best aspect of poetry? KK: I would say poetry has the ability to be very therapeutic. It can cleanse your soul and even help others who may be experiencing something similar. Although it goes without saying that it can be very entertaining. I wanted to talk about how poetry can do more than entertain, how it can enlighten. It can be like a magnifying glass to another’s perspective and once you have seen things from the angle of another it is as if you have gone through it yourself. AC: What inspires you to write? KK: At first I wrote to get some painful thoughts out of my psyche. I wrote to purge my soul and to place mark the highlights of my life. At some point things took a turn and I no longer needed to write about my pain. I no longer needed to journal through poetry; instead I began to