The Open Doors program at Roosevelt Island’s Coler Hospital:

… supports the creativity and leadership of people who have been harmed by gun violence and inspires action for safer, more just communities….

On Wednesday, February 27 the NY Public Library Roosevelt Island branch (524 Main Street) is the site for a Poetry Share Hosted by Open Doors Reality Poets:

The OPEN DOORS Reality Poets present a community poetry reading celebrating the release of their forthcoming anthology, “Wheeling and Healing.”

The Reality Poets will share their work, then open the floor for community members to share their own poetry. Bring a poem you’ve written or a poem you love!

OPEN DOORS is an arts and justice initiative on Roosevelt Island, based in the long-term care facility where many members live and work. Collaborating with established artists, members use storytelling, hip-hop, and spoken word to chellenge audiences to combat the injustice that breeds violence in our cities.

“Wheeling and Healing” is a poetry anthology edited by the OPEN DOORS Reality Poets. The Reality Poets invited residents of their long-term care facility, neighbors on Roosevelt Island, mentors, and friends to contribute poems toward a message of realness, resilience, and healing.

Register here. Here’s an excerpt from Just My Thoughts by Open Doors Reality Poet LeVar Lawrence:

Only if he had raised his arm about an inch or two / I wouldnt have to be telling my story to you
I cant even teach my son how to play ball / Or pick up and run if he needs me at the drop of a call
Is this a punishment for all the wrong that I did? / Now Ive been sentenced to this wheelchair doing a life-sentence bid…

and video of Mr. Lawrence reciting his poetry.

The Open Doors Reality Poets will also be doing a reading from their Wheeling And Healing Anthology on Monday March 11 at the Housing Works Bookshop Cafe in Soho (126 Cosby Street). You can purchase a copy of Wheeling And Healing Anthology by Open Door Reality Poets here. Image From Open Doors More info on the Open Doors Reality Poets at their web site.