On February 12, 2025, Bookshelf PH and Book Nook hosted a poetry reading at The Podium, where aspiring writers shared heartfelt poems on love and new beginnings. Attendees also had the opportunity to listen to selections from Jasmines in Her Hair by Kalpesh Desai.
Upon arriving at the 5th floor of The Podium at around 3:25 PM, I was immediately captivated by the place's ambiance. The architectural beauty of the bookshelves and benches created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bookshelves, filled with an eclectic mix of genres, reflected Book Nook’s dedication to literature. As I settled in, I found myself among a community of passionate poets and literature enthusiasts, all eager to share and celebrate the art of poetry.
Looking around, I saw a diverse group of individuals—each exuding a creative energy that made the event feel even more special. Some were rehearsing their poems, flipping through pages with nervous excitement, while others browsed Book Nook’s extensive collection. As I mingled with fellow attendees, conversations flowed naturally. We shared our writing experiences, exchanged anecdotes about college life, and reflected on how inspiring it was to see organizations like Bookshelf PH and Book Nook actively nurturing the literary scene in the Philippines. It was reassuring to know that literature continues to thrive, refusing to fade into obscurity.
At exactly 4:00 PM, the host took to the stage, officially opening the event with a warm welcome. They introduced the various themes that our poems would touch upon—love, new beginnings, and self-reflection—all tying back to Jasmines in Her Hair and the spirit of February, the month of love. The program commenced, and one by one, poets stepped forward to share their heartfelt pieces.
Each poem was a window into the writer’s soul, brimming with raw emotion, personal experiences, and profound insights on love, relationships, and life itself. The words resonated deeply, delivered with a sincerity that made every line feel alive. The host also read excerpts from Jasmines in Her Hair, further enriching the evening’s theme of love and renewal.
Poetry has always been a medium of expression that transcends time and space. It holds the power to evoke emotions, to create imagery so vivid that readers and listeners alike can momentarily step into another world. As I listened to each poem, I realized how poetry is not just a collection of words but a deep, soul-baring process—an unfiltered glimpse into the heart and mind of the poet. There was something magical about witnessing words transform into something tangible, something that resonates with strangers who, for a moment, become connected through shared emotion.
When my turn arrived, I felt a surge of nervous energy. However, having listened to the courage and passion of the poets before me, I found the confidence to take the stage. As I read my piece, I felt a connection with the audience—a shared appreciation for the power of words. The host, as they had for every poet, graciously acknowledged my work and offered insightful reflections on my piece, making the experience even more rewarding.
By the end of the event, a sense of unity and camaraderie filled the air. Strangers had become acquaintances, bonded by a love for poetry and storytelling. The event had been more than just a gathering—it was a reminder that words have the ability to heal, inspire, and connect people in ways nothing else can. At around 5:00 pm, a special moment took place—Bookshelf PH donated a copy of Jasmines in Her Hair to Book Nook’s library, ensuring that future visitors could discover and appreciate the beauty of Kalpesh Desai’s poetry.
The poetry reading was a celebration of literature, creativity, and community. It served as a reminder that poetry is not just words on a page—it is an expression of the human experience, bringing people together through shared emotions and stories. As I left the venue, I carried with me not just memories of a beautiful evening, but a renewed inspiration to keep writing, creating, and embracing the art of poetry.
In a world that often moves too fast, poetry forces us to slow down and reflect. It allows us to capture fleeting emotions and transform them into something lasting. It reminds us that we are not alone in our experiences, that somewhere, someone has felt the same joy, the same sorrow, the same longing. And in that shared experience, poetry becomes a bridge—connecting hearts and minds, one verse at a time.
By Aeris