After an hour of wordplay at the SnowDome Coffee Bar, March 12, one Jasper poet was named the winner of the annual Open Mic Poetry Night.
Jim Bottomley earned the title, as well as an honorarium and the opportunity to read his winning poem in council, March 18, with a piece called “The Jasper Song.”
Bottomley wrote the poem with his song-writing group, The Well Spaced Trees and ever since it has been one of the group’s favourites.
“‘The Jasper Song’ is intended to represent what Jasper means to many of us emotionally,” said Bottomley, noting that the story isn’t one that is true to his own experience.
Before reading his poem in front of council, Tuesday, Bottomley joked that although he’s been writing poems, songs and even a novel for years, this is the first time he’s been compensated for his work.
In response, Mayor Richard Ireland said with a grin: “we’re very happy we were able to turn you into a professional.”
Bottomley was one of five poets to approach the microphone and share with the intimate crowd gathered at the SnowDome last week. Many of the poets took the opportunity to read multiple works in varying lengths and styles. There was even a Dr. Seuss style poem from Peter Lynch.
The Open Mic Poetry Night is an annual collaboration between the Jasper Municipal Library and Habitat for the Arts, and is used as a lead in to Poetry Month, which is celebrated each April.
To keep the celebration going, the library will be hosting its Patron’s Choice Poetry Contest again, beginning March 31.
Jasperites are invited to submit up to three poems between March 31 and April 12. Those poems will then be on display at the library from April 14 to 26. During that time, patrons of the library will be invited to read the submitted works and pick their favourite.
The winner of the contest will be announced on April 28 and will be awarded $50 from the Friends of the Library. They will also be encouraged to read their winning entry during the May 1st Open Mic Poetry Night, again located at the SnowDome Coffee Bar.
For more information about the contest, contact Kim Felteau at the library: 780-852-3652.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
The Jasper Song
by Jim Bottomley
I’ve left my home and my friends before
Feels hollow at first, I’ve cried at the door
At the window of a train just heading west
My reflection in the glass, was not my best
But it all changed those many years ago
A whistle of the train as it began to slow…
It seems like yesterday my train pulled into Jasper
Met someone in town, tore up my ticket, the morning after
I never knew how this small mountain town
Would bring my friends, and the world around
Who knows where we’ll go in life?
Golden moments, yes they’ll be some strife
But as our rafts just bob along
It’s friends that make us dry and strong
I’ve found them here. And I know you’re near… in Jasper
Why come back? There’s so much to see
Snow-covered mountains, wildlife running free
I sing the praises of places far and wide
But here nature sings… and you’re by my side
It seems like yesterday my train pulled into Jasper
Met someone in town, tore up my ticket, the morning after
I never knew how this small mountain town
Would bring my friends, and the world around
Every time you come it’s harder to leave… Jasper
