Troy community learns about poetry

An Alabama poetry society held a writers’ workshop and open mic at the Johnson Center for the Arts on Saturday. 

The Alabama State Poetry Society’s (ASPS) workshop focused on unleashing creativity and breaking down the natural, conforming habits common among less-experienced writers. The event was led by Florence, Alabama Poet Laureate, Shannon Milliman. 

“This isn’t your typical poetry workshop,” Milliman said. “We shook up the habits that served us well but maybe kept us safe. 

“[We want to] silence the critic and invite the curious child, explore rhythm, space, sound and movement to uncover what’s hiding in our poems.” 

Milliman’s words at the workshop resonated with  many of those attending. Despite being a published poet both in anthologies and through his own book, ASPS member Alan Burkett said he took the role of a student and learned a lot about his own craft. 

“After the workshop, I’ll certainly be more cognizant of relating the emotion, images and consciousness of my poems when I perform public readings of my work,” Burkett said. “To put thought behind what I want to convey to the audience rather than reading my lines like a grocery list.” 

According to Milliman, the growth of already successful poets learning from each other is exactly what she was trying to achieve with the workshop. 

“Iron sharpens iron,” Milliman said. “Building supportive, artistic friendships helps garnish bigger, bolder, better ideas -- more inspiration.” 

The event’s only focus was not to strengthen the writing of established poets. The ASPS hoped to draw new, aspiring writers from the area, whether they were young college students or seasoned Troy residents. 

“I strongly believe it’s important to promote poetry not just to younger people, but to everyone,” said ASPS’s 2025 Poet of the Year Mike Turner. “It’s poetry’s job to illuminate the truth and draw people together to make a better world for us all; and everyone has creative talent and stories to tell.” 

At the end of the workshop, the event shifted to an open mic, allowing those present to stand in front of the group and perform their own poems with the knowledge they just gained. The goal of this was to build each other up and help each other improve, rather than put-down and discredit the performer as a harsh critic would. 

“The members provide valuable criticism of each other’s work, but always in a positive, nurturing way,” Burkett said. “No tearing down, always building up.” 

Milliman said outside of the workshop itself, her trip to Troy has made her fall in love with the town, and she hopes she can come back and keep supporting local creatives. 

“I came away as a total Troy fan and hope I can come back and continue to contribute to the scene,” Milliman said. “Wishing Troy abundant creativity and love.”