People Are the Stanzas for This Cafe

Cafe Descartes offers memories with the usual servings of coffee and liquor when Tuesday evenings' poetry readings begin.

Café Descartes is both a bar and café. The café hides in the back with its simple lighting and glow-in-the-dark stars. Sitting at the table with the $3.50 Oatmeal Latte, the first thing that catches anyone’s attention is the laughter. The laughter is of poets who are coming to share their own writings or of the poet they choose. Ready for the night to begin, they come anxious to hear what everyone has written for tonight.

The laughter continues to spread rapidly around the room as everyone starts to gather sharing hugs and tales of their week. Tonight, the group is small comprised of only 10 men and women but the group can reach up to 25 people. All are struggling yet aspiring poets who share a deep friendship.

Charlie Newman, who has been organizing the readings for the past five years, was nervous at first to take the place of Dave Ruben, the original founder of the readings when they began 15 years ago. Over time, he has come to appreciate the people.

"Reading for the people is my favorite part,” Newman said.

To Newman, Cafe's readings are one of many in Chicago, a city he calls “one of the best” for its active scenes. Newman will also send out e-mails three-four times a week remaining the group of the week's happenings, such as feature poet, or when a poetry wheel will occur.

The poetry wheel, which is the activity of the night, requires each person to follow with a poem, theirs or someone else's, that has some element whether it be style or theme. After listening, the group claps as each reader shares their poem in their own voice. It's their own personality shining through.

“The environment is relaxed and friendly. As long as it's not clique,” said Charlie Rossiter, a poet that frequents the Cafe.

The Cafe and its members are also ready and willing to invite new members in. They want everyone to feel part of the experience of their experience as a poetry reader.

“Cafe is easier on the poets. People here are warm and open,” Newman said. “Compared to Weeds, another location that holds poetry reading, they are less hard on you. If it's your first time, we won't be so critical and you don't have to be as thick-skinned. “

Another poet, Chris Gallinari, has been coming here for two years. He performed “Waiting on Tables” which is about the view that a man takes when he flirts with a women. An eloquent writer, Gallinari enjoys Cafe nights.

“It's a good social outlet as an opportunity to share poetry. I am more of a solitary poet but I have met people here. They are kind and we catch up and have a good time,” said Gallinari.

For more information on Cafe's Tuesday Poetry Reading contact Charlie Newman at 1(312)386 – 1656. Cafe is located at 5115 N. Lincoln.


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Sources
Charlie Newman 1(312)386 – 1656
Chris Gallinari