The Written Word Comes Alive In Cheshire
Poetry Night at Ball & Socket Arts
August 21, 2026
More than 50 poetry lovers gathered in Cheshire, Connecticut, for an
inspiring evening of spoken-word poetry featuring two renowned poets
Elizabeth Thomas, and Frederick-Douglass Knowles II whose powerful performances brought the written word vividly to life. Their compelling delivery demonstrated the range and power of contemporary poetry, and the personal connection that spoken-word poetry creates between the poet and the audience. Cheshire’s Poet Laureate, Pat Mottola, emceed the event.
The Story
The outdoor reading, held in the courtyard of Ball & Socket Arts, provided a
fitting setting for the poets to share their words. Each word, image, and
emotion resonated with the audience. Listeners were able to connect with
the poetry, and to appreciate the unique energy created when poetry
moves from the page to the stage.
Elizabeth Thomas, a widely published poet, author, performer and
educator, has read her poetry throughout the United States. An outstanding
advocate of youth in the arts, Elizabeth is a coach and organizer with Brave
New Voices: International Youth Poetry Slam and Festival. Her most recent
book is “From the Front of the Classroom”.
Frederick-Douglass Knowles II, is a Professor of English at Connecticut
State Community College (Three Rivers campus) and is the recipient of
many poetry awards. Hartford Poet Laureate Emeritus, he is the author of
two poetry collections: “Black Rose City”, and “Sinking in Moonlight Alone”.
Following the featured readers, an open mic gave local poets an
opportunity to take the stage, offering a lively sampling of poetry from both
new voices and seasoned writers. At the mic were: Pat Mottola; Ron
Gagliardi; Violet Lee ; Bella Mestuzzi; Liz Alfonzo ; Deborah Ketai ; Emmy
Oake; Jeanne LeVasseur; Carly Message; Amy Gray; and Susan Powers.
For some participants, the open mic was an opportunity to share their work
publicly for the first time. The event created a welcoming space where
established poets and emerging voices could share the same stage.
The strong turnout and enthusiastic response demonstrated the enduring
appeal of live poetry. There beneath the open sky, the audience witnessed
the written word transformed into a shared, living experience and
celebrated the broader power of poetry to bring people together, spark
reflection, and give voice to stories and emotions.
In Cheshire, the poetrycommunity is alive, diverse, and eager to listen – and to speak.
Meet The Team Of Poets
