brooklyn celebrates words

On saturday I spent an afternoon in Brooklyn. The open space outside the Brooklyn Borough Hall was filled with scores of book lovers, writers and publishers. It was a sunny day sponsored by the final spurts of summer.
(top right: US-based Jamaican novelist Colin Channer)

I sat on the steps that ran up to the large double breasted doors of the historic Brooklyn Borough Hall. Before me was a stage. Poets and writers took turns sharing their words at the mic. The backdrop was a farmer's market, downtown brooklyn skyline, a garden and blue skies.

What struck me most was not so much the obvious talent that was showcased... but more of how each artist stood before the mic and spoke with so much conviction as they performed their work of written words. how inspirational!!!

so many words touched me that day.... here are some gems...

from a poem as recited by Rigoberto Gonzalez
"Smile and I exist."

and on the back of a young lover of words... (see last picture)

NYC is filled with so many great writers!!! next stop:

NYT columnist Thomas Friedman on Tuesday!!!