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Humor and Quirks
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Humor and Quirks
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Have poetry, will travel

Have Poetry, Will Travel: A Poet's Journey Across South Carolina and Beyond

In the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry, where the rhythms of the sea meet the whispers of ancient oaks, resides a wordsmith whose passion for poetry knows no bounds. Marcus Amaker, Charleston's first poet laureate, embodies the spirit of a modern-day troubadour, traversing miles with verses in tow, ready to ignite imaginations and foster creativity wherever he goes. His mantra, "Have poetry, will travel," isn't just a clever play on words—it's a way of life that has taken him from bustling city classrooms to serene rural libraries, and even across state lines, all in the name of sharing the transformative power of language.

Amaker's journey into poetry began not in the spotlight, but in the quiet corners of self-discovery. Born and raised in Charleston, he grew up surrounded by the city's rich history and cultural tapestry, influences that would later seep into his work. As a young man, he dabbled in music and graphic design, but it was poetry that ultimately captured his soul. "Poetry found me," he often says, recalling how he started writing as a form of personal expression during challenging times. His early poems explored themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience, drawing from his African American heritage and the vibrant, sometimes turbulent, history of the South.

What sets Amaker apart is his unwavering commitment to accessibility. He doesn't confine his art to ivory towers or exclusive literary circles; instead, he brings it directly to the people. Over the years, he's logged countless miles on South Carolina's highways, from the sandy shores of Hilton Head to the rolling hills of the Upstate. One memorable trip took him to a small school in Dorchester County, where he conducted a workshop for middle schoolers. There, amid the chatter of eager students, he encouraged them to pen their own verses about dreams and fears. "Poetry isn't about perfection," he told them. "It's about honesty." By the end of the session, shy voices had transformed into confident declarations, proving poetry's ability to empower.

Amaker's travels aren't limited to educational settings. He's a fixture at community events, festivals, and even corporate gatherings, where he tailors his performances to resonate with diverse audiences. At the Spoleto Festival USA, one of Charleston's premier arts events, he once delivered a spoken-word piece that blended jazz rhythms with poignant reflections on social justice. The crowd, a mix of locals and tourists, erupted in applause, many moved to tears by his raw emotion. Such moments highlight why Amaker is more than a poet—he's a bridge-builder, using words to connect disparate worlds.

Beyond South Carolina, Amaker's wanderlust has carried him to national stages. He's performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and collaborated with artists in New York and Atlanta. These excursions aren't just about personal acclaim; they're opportunities to amplify Southern voices often overlooked in broader literary conversations. "Traveling with poetry allows me to share the stories of my home," he explains. "It's like carrying a piece of Charleston in my pocket." One particularly impactful journey was to a poetry slam in Chicago, where he competed against poets from across the country. Though he didn't win the top prize, the experience reinforced his belief in poetry's universal language, transcending geography and background.

Back home, Amaker's role as poet laureate, appointed in 2016, has amplified his reach. The position, a first for Charleston, tasks him with promoting poetry throughout the city and state. He's organized public readings, mentored aspiring writers, and even integrated poetry into unexpected places, like public transit buses adorned with his verses. Imagine boarding a CARTA bus and finding lines like "In the quiet of dawn, the city awakens with stories untold" staring back at you—Amaker's way of infusing everyday life with art.

His travels have also inspired collaborative projects. Teaming up with musicians, visual artists, and dancers, Amaker has created multimedia experiences that push the boundaries of traditional poetry. One such venture was a road trip to Columbia, South Carolina's capital, where he joined forces with a local band for a fusion performance. The event drew hundreds, blending spoken word with live music in a celebration of creativity. "Poetry isn't static," Amaker notes. "It moves, it evolves, just like I do on the road."

Of course, no journey is without its challenges. Amaker speaks candidly about the logistics of constant travel—the long drives, the unpredictable weather, the occasional empty venue. Yet, these hurdles only fuel his determination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical travel ground to a halt, he pivoted to virtual platforms, hosting online workshops and readings that reached audiences worldwide. "The poetry didn't stop; it just found new paths," he reflects. This adaptability underscores his resilience, a theme that permeates his work.

Amaker's poetry itself is a testament to his nomadic spirit. Collections like "The Birth of All Things" and "Empath" explore personal growth, love, and societal issues, often drawing from his experiences on the road. In one poem, he describes the interstate as a "river of asphalt carrying dreams," a metaphor for his life's path. Readers and listeners alike praise his ability to capture the essence of movement, both literal and metaphorical.

Community impact is perhaps the most profound aspect of Amaker's travels. In Summerville, a town in Dorchester County, he led a series of workshops at the local library, inspiring residents to form their own poetry group. Participants, ranging from teenagers to seniors, found solace and connection through shared verses. One woman shared how writing poetry helped her cope with loss, crediting Amaker's guidance as a turning point. Stories like these are common, illustrating how his journeys ripple outward, touching lives in unexpected ways.

Looking ahead, Amaker shows no signs of slowing down. Plans for a cross-country tour are in the works, with stops in cities like New Orleans and Austin, where he'll collaborate with fellow poets and performers. He's also authoring a new book, tentatively titled "Wanderlust Words," which will chronicle his travels and the poems born from them. "Every mile is a stanza," he says with a smile.

In an era where digital distractions often drown out quieter arts, Marcus Amaker's commitment to traveling with poetry serves as a beacon. He reminds us that words have the power to heal, to unite, and to inspire. From the cobblestone streets of Charleston to the vast expanses of America's heartland, his journey continues, one verse at a time. For Amaker, poetry isn't just an art form—it's a passport to endless possibilities, proving that with a notebook in hand and a heart full of stories, the world is yours to explore.

Amaker's influence extends to education reform as well. He advocates for integrating poetry into school curricula, arguing that it fosters critical thinking and emotional intelligence. During visits to schools in rural areas like Orangeburg, he's witnessed firsthand how poetry can engage students who might otherwise disengage from traditional learning. "It's not about memorizing Shakespeare," he emphasizes. "It's about creating your own narrative." Teachers report increased student participation and creativity following his sessions, with some even incorporating poetry slams into their lesson plans.

Moreover, Amaker's travels highlight the cultural richness of South Carolina. In Beaufort, he delved into Gullah traditions, weaving them into his performances to preserve and promote this unique heritage. At events in Greenville, he addressed environmental themes, linking poetry to the state's natural beauty and the need for conservation. These localized approaches make his work deeply relevant, turning each stop into a cultural exchange.

Critics and fans alike laud his authenticity. Fellow poet Nikky Finney has called him "a voice for the voiceless," praising his ability to blend personal introspection with broader social commentary. Amaker's online presence, with thousands of followers on social media, extends his reach, allowing virtual travelers to join his poetic odyssey.

As the sun sets over the Palmetto State, Marcus Amaker prepares for his next adventure. With poetry as his compass, he navigates the roads less traveled, leaving a trail of inspiration in his wake. In a world that often feels disconnected, his message is clear: poetry connects us all, no matter the distance. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Post and Courier Article at:
[ https://www.postandcourier.com/journal-scene/community-news/have-poetry-will-travel/article_7f52c8bd-7d2f-47e3-8f52-ae8d3054a660.html ]