About 9 POEMS

"I'll leave the chocolate until the morning - almond in the afternoon" 

The 90 Day Cafe in Birmingham City Centre, has established itself as a quirky independent venue with fantastic cakes and great coffee (organic and fairtrade). The first time I wandered in, enticed by the colourful burst of cupcakes in the window, I felt welcome and my fingertips tingled. Hmmm not everyone's reaction to a cafe. But it meant I needed to write.

It's been a while, but I found myself scribbling again. Something about the school desks -  local artists on the walls; the gentle buzz of an order on the go; the clean wooden floors; decisions, no more straining than 'rocky road' or 'raspberry cupcakes'; the kitchen radio crooning 'After Midnight'; a student gently slurping through a straw as she finished an essay; customers' voices fluttering over and under the breeze escaping into the blue light of the Great Western arcade - all this loosened the tightness in my brain and words had to find paper. The comfort of coffee and cake is not be underestimated ;-) 

I went away thinking: 'this is a great venue for a poetry group'. The thought wouldn't go away. I'm a teacher and sometimes a poet; but I am always a poetry enthusiast, so I had to gather my words and return to speak to the owners Tara and Chris. Over rows of golden cupcakes we agreed to a new venture: a poetry discussion group called '9 poems'. Eventually we will run an open mic spot for anyone to participate in or just be there and enjoy. 

We hope to meet on the last Thursday of the month in a relaxed and convivial setting, where there will be delicious cakes and coffee available.  The first meet-up will be on the 30 June -  at 6.30pm. The poems to be discussed will be posted here soon! 

Chris: I've been coached by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu!

Tara: In what? In your dreams! You should sort it out...What would happen if you woke up tomorrow and we didn't exist? 

GREAT WESTERN ARCADE

The artisan heart of Birmingham’s city centre, this Victorian-styled walkway has been rejuvenated by a string of funky, quirky and innovative traders.

EAT The 90 Day Café (Great Western Arcade, tel. (0)792 115 6933) is independent in both spirit and décor. The café’s beautifully detailed cupcakes are a big draw, but the menu is filled with unique touches, none more so than the sensational ‘Black bacon’.

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