In hopes that poetry and song can loosen the ice fingers of winter around the human heart, local poets are conspiring to kindle the flames of love and romance—just in time for Valentine’s Day. It is rumored that Cupid will make an appearance.

On Sunday, February 10, at 2 PM, the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art (MICA) will present Burning Desires: An Afternoon of Love Poetry Erotic & Otherwise at Urban Beat in Old Town, 1213 Turner St. Doors open at 1 PM. 

Since 1993, first Otherwise Gallery and now MICA has hosted a Valentine-themed event in celebration of the many aspects of love—comic, profound, tragic, erotic, neurotic and more. It is a perfect event for lovers young and old, happy and sad, ecstatic or in despair.

Emcees Dylan Rogers and Grace Carras will host poets Susan Harris, Jay Artemis Hull, Tim Lane, Isabella Mansfield, Kimberly Priest, Anita Skeen, Ruelaine Stokes and more—in an attempt to revive love’s eternal promise and transcend the typically cold and dark Michigan winter. 

In the Open Mic following the 1st set, up to 14 participants are invited to sign up to read “a love poem” (either original or by a favorite poet). Those wishing to read can throw their names in the basket by the door.

For more information, contact Terry Terry at terry@messagemakers.com or Ruelaine Stokes at ruestokes@gmail.com or 517-267-0410