Reach for the Light

Book Launch

Join Easter Dodds, aka Poetic Desire, for the launch of her book "Reach for the Light". Enjoy spoken word poets, creative writing, author readings, a Q&A, and a book signing at this free event.

Easter "PoetikDesire" Dodds is a tech-savvy creative who resides in Chesapeake. She began blogging about the local poetry scene when she joined examiner.com., an online forum. In her blog, the Chesapeake Poetry Examiner, she reviewed open mics and other happenings of interest to poetry enthusiasts. Currently, she remains an integral part of the Hampton Roads poetry scene and globally in online open mics. Her "poetry is like a diary she shares with the world". Her writings explore the many realms of life, love, and all the experiences in-between. "PoetikDesire" is a hopeless romantic with a passion for the written word. She has been published in several print and online publications. "Reaching for the Light" is her debut poetry book. Its theme explores what it is to come out from life's shadows and into the light of opportunities. Follow her and find her in these publications online at linktr.ee/poetikdesire.

Featured Poets

Sharran C. Taylor, aka Kween Yakini, is an author, a poet, a spoken word artist, and she is also the new host of Russell Memorial Chesapeake Library’s “Poetry Prose and Pizza Open Mic. Join her on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Carlton West, Jr. ‘godchild the omen’ is a poet, host, recording artist, and b.n.v. co-coach from Norfolk. He hosts Fuzzy Wednesdays, an international showcase for all types of artists. Godchild created The Mic Fiend Cafe, which is the largest spoken word showcase in Virginia.

Jorge Mendez is an author, musician, and spoken word artist based out of Hampton Roads, VA. He hosted “Monday Night Open Mic” at The Venue on 35th for 12 years. Currently, he is The Venue's Artist in Residence. He recently authored, “Poems I Stole from My Imaginary Friends”.

Maddie G is a spoken word artist, author and slam poet of Dominican Roots. Her poetry is a collage of culture, family, emotion, and love. She is a member of the Verb Benders Slam Poetry team. She published her first collection of poems -A Vision of She- in 2022.

Faith May Griffin is a Hampton Roads writer and poet whose work explores themes of love, loss, and transformation. She blends lyrical intensity with emotional honesty, creating pieces that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

Tonya Sinclair Swindell is an occupational therapist, writer, poet, and featured newspaper columnist. Her writing has been featured in: Occupational Therapy Practice Magazine, Suffolk News-Herald, New Journal and Guide, Distinguished Woman Magazine, “Determined to Succeed”.

CJ Expression, hailing from Baltimore, now C.J. calls Hampton Roads home. She found her voice on the stage of Norfolk’s Venue on 35th. She’s performed poetry on stages from Virginia to New York. Featured in many anthologies, she authored Dear Broken Woman, Trials to Triumph.

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